The Atlantic regional director of Unifor says she does not have any firm timelines on when a ruling will be made on Marine Atlantic’s designation as an essential service.
The union and the Crown corporation are at a standstill with contract negotiations, and now they are focused on hammering out a maintenance of activities agreement – which will dictate how things operate in the event of a strike or lockout.
However, that hinges on an application before the Labour Relations Board, which asks them to look at Marine Atlantic’s designation as an essential service.
Jennifer Murray says their proposal would see the Port aux Basques run reduced to three crossings in each direction every week, and the Argentia run eliminated outright.
The Argentia ferry terminal (VOCM News)
The union has defended its position, saying their proposal would still ensure that essential goods like food and medical supplies make it across.
In terms of when a ruling will be made, Murray says they are “not far” from reaching a conclusion.
She reveals that there is an 82-day clock that has been “ticking away,” and while she doesn’t have any exact dates, all sides have been working on “where the conclusion can be drawn here.”
Murray, who says they don’t want any disruptions in service, is calling on Marine Atlantic to get back to the table.
