BC FRS Clipper Ferry

• Unifor Local 114

  • 25 workers
  • Only represent workers at the Victoria side
  • customer service, ticketing, baggage handling and docking

• Competing ferry service

  • Black Ball Ferry (M.V. Coho https//cohoferry.com)
  • Organized by Teamsters
  • Recent contract: One year signed in March 2023 with 6% wage increase and Teamsters' own pension plan contribution increase.

• BC Ferries comparable job list. 2023 rates Seasonal are 95% and 90% of this posted wage:

Additional information:

• Ferry services between Seattle and Victoria.
• ~200 tourists per trip.
• Important part of the tourism and hospitality sector for Victoria.
• Environmental choice for travelers as fast ferry services are lowest in emissions per passenger.
• $300M public investment in upgraded international ferry terminal. Temporary location for Clipper ferry terminal has already been suggested. Multi-year project.
• Canadian union jobs on the Victoria side.
• Restarted ferry service after the pandemic.
• New German company owners, FRS Group, has created a challenging working relationship since 2016.
• 100% strike mandate from membership.

Information from Rep/Local:

• Robbins parking (Company in Victoria) is the paid parking lot at the terminal.

  • Wilson's transport (Unifor 114 members) does get contracted by CVS (Tour Company) to pick up and take to Butchart Gardens (Victoria tourist spot) and drop back of to the boat. - They come onto the property to pickup and drop-off.
  • The Employer's contingency plan might be to rent a bus through CVS/Wilson's and have clients board the Coho Ferry which is right beside the Clipper terminal.
• Duty-free supplies are shipped from Vancouver to Victoria and loaded by Unifor members.
• Fuel provided on the Seattle side.
• Food/snacks provided on Seattle side.
• Toiletry supplies and pump-out done on Seattle side.

• Small numbers in local.
• Union only on Victoria side.
• Temporary change in terminal location during multi-year upgrades could open-up opportunities in the resulting confusion for employer to use temporary worker.
• End of season provides few opportunities for labour disruption of service.
• Contract workers could be used to fill gaps in docking, ticketing in any labour action.

• Other operations are union (Teamsters) and picket could slow operation to other service, putting pressure on FRS Clipper to settle dispute.
• Teamsters 31 has a history of solidarity action with other striking dock workers.
• Secondary picket to parking and shuttle services through Unifor members running services could be possible.

• Hotels, wineries, and festivals clearly target this service for recruitment of customers.

  • Cancelling services will have a broad knock-on effect on these secondary tourist destination/companies.

1. CEO: Matthias Pahnke email: matthias.pahnke@frs.de

1. Manager: Danni Smith

   Manager at Clipper Vacations

   AND

   Adrena Line Zipline Adventure Tours

   -Email: info@adrenalinezip.com

   • Telephone: 1-250-642-1933
   • Toll-free: 1-866-947-9145
   • Fax: 1-250-642-1933