Virtually every aspect of Newfoundland and Labrador stands to be affected if the transportation lifeline between it and the mainland is frayed or cut in the form of a strike by workers on the gulf ferries. However, a former politician who is probably more familiar with the inner workings of Marine Atlantic than most does not think an application to strip it of “essential service” status will float.

The ferry system was deemed essential by the Canada Industrial Relations Board in 2004, and confirmed four years later after a challenge of that designation.

Unifor is disputing Marine Atlantic’s contention that the ferry service is essential and there is a possibility that service could be reduced dramatically should the two bargaining units involved take strike action, or are locked out.

Gerry Byrne, a former Liberal cabinet minister at both the federal and provincial levels, says the workers have a right to do what they’re doing but he’s confident that the “essential” designation will stick.

He notes that the designation was made long before the world knew about COVID or there were concerns about food security and supply chains.

Wakeham Pens Letter to Federal Government

Meanwhile, premier Tony Wakeham has written the federal transportation minister asking them to “take all necessary steps” to ensure Marine Atlantic continues to be recognized as an essential service.

Wakeham wrote the letter to express “urgent and significant concern” regarding the application before the Industrial Relations Board.

Government describes Marine Atlantic as a “critical supply chain and transportation link” for the province, and maintaining its reliability is a “matter of public necessity.”

The provincial government’s position is that Marine Atlantic’s designation as an essential service must be maintained.