Unionized Hullo Ferries workers and their employer remain embroiled in a contract dispute. (Hullo Ferries)

By Ian Holmes

fast ferry dispute

Hullo Ferries applies for mediation to help broker collective agreement

Sep 5, 2025 | 12:44 PM

NANAIMO — A mediator is expected to bring the two sides together in a contract dispute between Hullo Ferries and its unionized workforce.

Hullo Ferries announced on the morning of Friday, Sept. 5, it had filed for mediation with the BC Labour Relations Board to support what the company described as “ongoing negotiations” toward reaching a collective agreement.

“We remain confident that a fair and constructive agreement will be reached through good faith bargaining with mediation assistance. Our commitment to our team, our passengers, and the communities we connect remains our highest priority,” a statement from Hullo Ferries read.

A mid-day statement from the BC Ferry & Marine Workers Union (BCFMWU) called the decision to go to mediation a stall tactic by Hullo Ferries management.

The union noted it made conditions to its employer prior to Hullo Ferries filing for mediation.

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“The union says Hullo’s strategy is clear: avoid meaningful talks until after the busy travel season,” the BCFMWU stated, which noted it will keep its members updated as the mediation process unfolds.

On Tuesday, Sept 2, the BC Ferry & Marine Workers Union (BCFMWU) revealed its membership voted 91 per cent in favour of strike action to back its contract demands, however, job action has not commenced.

Late last week, the BCFMWU announced it would hold a strike vote for its 86 Hullo ferry workers due to stagnant contract negotiations.

Union president Tyler McNeely previously stated key issues for Hullo ferry workers are wages, work schedules, work-life balance and job security.

Hullo Ferries workers joined the union nearly a year ago and remain without a collective agreement with their employer.

A service which debuted in August of 2023, Hullo Ferries is a privately operated passenger-only ferry service involving two purpose-built vessels linking the downtowns of Nanaimo and Vancouver.

A landmark September 2021 announcement revealed a 20-year lease agreement to launch a much-discussed passenger-only ferry service between Nanaimo and Vancouver.

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