Kootenay Lake ferry workers have voted in favour of a strike mandate during negotiations over a new collective bargaining agreement with Western Pacific Marine.
A spokesperson for the BC General Employees' Union (BCGEU), which represents 79 employees of Western Pacific Marine, said members had voted 97 per cent in favour of a strike mandate.
Western Pacific Marine operates the Kootenay Lake ferry crossing as well as the Glade and Harrop cable ferries.
The mandate does not guarantee a strike, which requires a 72-hour notice. The BCGEU said negotiations are ongoing and that additional meeting dates have since been added following the vote.
The union said issues being negotiated include wages and benefits that seek parity with the BC Ferries collective agreement, improved training, expanded sailing times and improved access to health and welfare benefits for auxiliary employees.
Both sides previously agreed to a new deal in December 2019 following months of contentious labour talks.
Kootenay Lake's crossing between Balfour and Kootenay Bay is set to receive a new 55-car vessel next year that will replace the MV Balfour, which was built in 1954.
