Cable ferries in B.C. Kootenays sailing on schedule despite escalating strike threat

VICTORIA — Cable ferries serving tiny communities in British Columbia’s Kootenay region are providing regular scheduled service today despite the threat of an escalating strike that could cut sailings.

The B.C. General Employees’ Union, representing ferry workers who have been on strike since Nov. 3, and employer Western Pacific Marine both say service on Kootenay Lake to the communities of Harrop, Procter and Glade is operating without service disruption.

Western Pacific Marine general manager Odai Sirri says the company and union met Thursday and discussions are ongoing, with company officials reaching out to the communities today to prepare logistics in the event of service reductions.

Union spokesman Aaron Donovan says the union has yet to issue the required 24-hour notice of its plan to reduce service following a recent B.C. Labour Board ruling permitting escalation of the strike.

Residents of the communities say they are concerned that reducing sailings of the on-demand, free service will cut some people off from neighbours and jobs.

Opposition B.C. Conservative MLA Pete Davis is calling on Rural Services Minister Brittny Anderson to ensure the needs of local residents are put first.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 3, 2025.

The Canadian Press