Workers for the Victoria Clipper ferry which operates out of the Inner Harbour were bracing themselves for a strike ahead of the long weekend after a long and arduous bargaining process.
Clipper workers were asking for fair wage increases, adjustments to the scheduling system and improved job security.
Unifor, Local 114 had been at the bargaining table since May for the workers’ desired improvements ahead of their current agreement expiring in October.
Given that nothing had been agreed upon after a few months of bargaining, Local 114 and the Clipper’s employees threatened a strike for the Labour Day long weekend.
“Unless the employer shows up to the bargaining table with a fair offer, the Victoria Clipper will be anchored on one of the busiest tourism weekends of the year,” Lana Payne, Unifor National President said just ahead of the impending strike.
However, a strike did not have to take place because as of September 1st, the two parties made a tentative agreement.
“Congratulations to the bargaining committee and the members who mobilized quickly to get the word out on both sides of the border about their struggle for a fair contract,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director.
The 25 employees represented by the Local 114 will vote on ratifying the tentative agreement on September 6th.
Upon ratification, the details of the agreement will become public, until then no further information is available.
