Victoria Clipper avoids strike with union after reaching last-minute deal

A strike among Victoria Clipper workers has been averted after the union and ferry company agreed on a contract, meaning no delays or disruptions over Labor Day weekend.

Members of Unifor Local 114, which represents ferry service workers in Victoria, stated they voted to strike and it would have began Sunday if they weren’t able to reach a contract agreement. Those workers are expected to vote on the tentative agreement reached Wednesday.

The union represents workers in customer service, ticketing, baggage handling and dock workers.

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“Unless the employer shows up to the bargaining table with a fair offer, the Victoria Clipper will be anchored on one of the busiest tourism weekends of the year,” Lana Payne, Unifor National President, said earlier this week before the agreement was reached. “Ferry workers deserve a fair contract and will take job action if negotiations continue to stall.”

The union aimed to give “air wage increases, adjustments to the scheduling system, and better job security” for its employees.

The Clipper is the only direct fast ferry service between Seattle and Victoria, British Columbia, offering round-trip service once per day. Sailings will return to their normal schedule Monday after the company said it will operate on a different schedule Sunday. The ferry will sail from Seattle to Victoria at 8 a.m. and return to Seattle at 7 p.m.