Possibility of Marine Atlantic strike sends ‘shockwaves’ throughout N.L.’s industry associations

Possibility of Marine Atlantic strike sends ‘shockwaves’ throughout N.L.’s industry associations

‘Any kind of a slowdown in Marine Atlantic is a problem for us,’ says Premier Tony Wakeham

The possibility that Marine Atlantic could offer reduced crossings due to a potential strike has sent “shockwaves” throughout Newfoundland and Labrador’s industry associations, says one business leader.

St. John’s Board of Trade CEO AnnMarie Boudreau said ferry service is essentially the province’s highway to the rest of Canada and should remain an essential service in the eyes of the Canadian Industrial Relations Board’s (CIRB) for a number of reasons.

She pointed to the transportation of products like perishable goods and medical supplies to the island portion of the province, and the increased cost businesses would face if they have less frequent shipments.

“We're talking about a critical link,” said Boudreau.

The union representing 700 Marine Atlantic employees has asked the CIRB to reconsider the ferry service’s essential status, which could result in a major reduction of services.

Unifor’s request could reverse a 2003 decision from CIRB that determined service would continue as usual in the event of a work stoppage.

Unifor has specifically requested the Argentia route be suspended and the Port aux Basques route be reduced to three crossings per week in the event of a strike or lockout — it currently operates three crossing per day.

Essential service? Reaction swift to union request on Marine Atlantic service status

Marine Atlantic has declined interview requests, but spokesperson Darrell Mercer told Radio-Canada in an email there are typically three return trips between North Sydney, N.S. and Port aux Basques per day; and one crossing between North Sydney and Argentia per day.

Mercer said the Crown corporation is preparing its submission to CIRB to argue it’s an essential service.

‘Any kind of slowdown… is a problem’

N.L. Premier Tony Wakeham said a labour dispute is “a big concern,” and referred to how much of the province’s seafood is transported by Marine Atlantic ferries.

“Marine Atlantic is an essential service,” said Wakeham.

He said the province is at a point where capacity needs to be increased, not decreased.

“Any kind of a slowdown in Marine Atlantic is a problem for us. As a matter of fact, I would argue that we need even more ships,” said Wakeham.

Federal Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, who was in St. John’s for Energy N.L.'s conference Tuesday, said Ottawa will be made aware of the issue.

“This is going to require all our attention…working with the province to find a way forward,” said Champagne.

Conciliation — a form of mediation — between Unifor and Marine Atlantic expires next week. It followed a breakdown in negotiations late April, according to Unifor.

After June 8, there will be a 21-day “cooling period” before a strike or lockout can happen.

In a statement from Unifor April 3, Atlantic Regional Director Jennifer Murray said, “It's clear Marine Atlantic wants to block our members' right to strike and that is why it is failing to engage at the bargaining table.”

Unifor also declined a request for an interview with CBC News.

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Maddie Ryan is a reporter in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador who has experience covering a wide range of stories, from politics and social issues to music and culture. Contact her at madison.ryan@cbc.ca.

With files from Patrick Butler and Ariana Kelland