The high-speed, Nanaimo – Vancouver foot passenger ferry may potentially be out of service as early as next weekend, as a strike vote is underway this Labour Day weekend.

It’s the last long weekend of summer, and Hullo Ferries union workers are spending it voting on whether to strike. Union members have been given from Friday until Tuesday to respond.

The BC Ferry & Marine Workers’ Union (BCFMWU) says the strike vote comes after the employer declared an impasse and broke off negotiations Thursday night. The key issues focused on wages, benefits and scheduling.

“They’re below market compared to similar positions on the West Coast,” says Eric McNeely, BCFMWU president.

“BC Ferries, tugboat operations, Seaspan – marine services are highly unionized on the west coast. Their [Hullo Ferries]

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