Ferries in B.C. Kootenay region run 'as normal' after Labour Relations Board ruling

The Harrop ferry that crosses Kootenay Lake, connecting Highway 3A northeast of Nelson, B.C. to the communities of Harrop and Procter, is shown in this undated government handout photo. The company that operates a cable ferry service in British Columbia's Kootenay region says sailings will be running as normal this week "and indefinitely." THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO, Government of British Columbia

The company that operates a cable ferry service in British Columbia's Kootenay region says sailings will be running as normal this week "and indefinitely."

Western Pacific Marine says that comes after it applied for and received a stay from the province's Labour Relations Board of an earlier ruling that would have allowed expanded strike action on the free Kootenay Lake crossings.

It says a new hearing is being planned for a reconsideration of the original order, and the board will announce the hearing dates next week.

Members of the BC General Employees' Union, representing ferry workers, have been on strike since Nov. 3 seeking wage increases, scheduling adjustments and extended benefits for auxiliary workers.

The job action faced escalation following a B.C. Labour Board ruling on Dec. 27 granting the union approval to reduce service of the Harrop-Procter ferry to eight round trips daily and 16 round trips for the Glade ferry.

The possibility of escalating strike action set off protests from residents and businesses in the communities of Harrop, Procter and Glade as the dispute threatened to reduce services and cut some off completely.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 6, 2025.