Marine Atlantic workers from two local unions file for conciliation

NORTH SYDNEY — The union representing employees working at Marine Atlantic says it has filed for conciliation because their employer has “demonstrated an unwillingness to bargain.”

Unifor Local 4285 and 4286 have been without a collective agreement with Marine Atlantic since Dec. 31, 2022, according to a statement from Unifor released Wednesday. Marine Atlantic is the Crown corporation responsible for running the ferries connecting Newfoundland to Nova Scotia via North Sydney.

In the statement, Unifor’s Atlantic regional director Jennifer Murray said the move toward conciliation was necessary “to drag this employer into some accountability." Unifor accuses Marine Atlantic of delaying the negotiation process and that similar delays have affected past rounds of bargaining.

The rising cost of living has also provided a point of frustration for Unifor.

"I don't see how it's possible for a Crown corporation to neglect its workforce for so long," stated Murray. "It is insulting that Marine Atlantic workers who waited three years for their last contract, should have to wait so long once again to negotiate wage increases.”

Conciliation sees the appointment of an officer who mediates between the sides involved in a labour dispute. Nova Scotia law requires the parties to meet with a conciliation officer before further labour action, such as a strike or lockout, can occur.

If conciliation talks are unsuccessful, unions can choose to vote on whether to strike.

Between the two Unifor locals, there are 731 members working at Marine Atlantic affected by the negotiations. Under Local 4285 are 631 members including storekeepers, cooks, bosuns, quartermasters, deckhands, bridgewatchers, carpenters, liferaft maintainers, certified and uncertified engine room assistants, and stewards.

Local 4286 represents 100 senior chief stewards, pursers, chief stewards, and senior chief cooks.