Hullo Ferries Workers Vote on Potential Strike Amid Wage Dispute

Union members at Hullo Ferries are voting this Labour Day weekend on whether to initiate a strike, following a breakdown in contract negotiations with management. The vote, which is set to conclude on September 5, 2025, could lead to disruptions in the high-speed ferry service connecting Nanaimo and Vancouver as early as next weekend.

The BC Ferry & Marine Workers’ Union (BCFMWU) announced the strike vote after Hullo Ferries declared an impasse in negotiations on September 1. The union asserts that the key issues under discussion include wages, benefits, and scheduling, noting that Hullo’s compensation packages are below those offered by comparable maritime employers on the West Coast.

According to Eric McNeely, president of the BCFMWU, “They’re below market compared to similar positions on the West Coast.” He highlighted that wages and benefits for Hullo Ferries employees trail behind those of other unionized marine operations, such as BC Ferries and Seaspan. Scheduling flexibility is also a significant concern, as many workers currently find it challenging to plan their lives beyond a few weeks due to the company’s current practices.

Hullo Ferries, which has been operational for two years, first joined the BCFMWU in September 2024. Since then, the union has aimed to establish a collective agreement with the Vancouver Island Ferry Company (VIFC), which operates Hullo Ferries. McNeely described the process as slower than expected, primarily because this is the first collective agreement for the company.

Negotiations have included critical topics such as grievance procedures, seniority, and dispute management. McNeely explained, “When you’re working with an employer who hasn’t managed a unionized workforce…that all takes time.”

The sticking point that led to the recent impasse originated from discussions on wages, benefits, and scheduling that began two months ago. In early June, the union submitted a proposal regarding these issues and has been awaiting a response from Hullo management. After Hullo Ferries issued a counter-offer on wages last Thursday, the union responded with its own counter-proposal. However, the employer subsequently declared an impasse later that evening.

While specific details on the wage proposals have not been disclosed, McNeely emphasized that the union is striving to ensure that Hullo employees receive competitive compensation within the marine sector. He stated that the recent counter-offer from management was still below market standards.

Should the union’s strike vote yield a majority in favor, a labour strike could commence as early as next weekend, following a mandatory 72-hour notice period. McNeely expressed a strong desire to avoid service withdrawals, stating, “Fundamentally we don’t want to withdraw service…we want to be a part of that success.”

The BCFMWU represents over 4,500 ferry workers across Canada and is the largest maritime union in the country. Hullo Ferries employs approximately 80 union members, who provide a high-speed passenger service between downtown Nanaimo and downtown Vancouver, with travel times around 70 minutes. The company has the ability to increase sailings during high-demand events, such as concerts and sports activities.

As the union prepares for the vote, McNeely remains hopeful that management will reconsider its stance. “We’re hoping the negotiating team gets up this morning from Toronto and says the West Coast deserves more time and attention,” he remarked.

Hullo Ferries has been contacted for comment regarding the ongoing negotiations and potential strike action.