NEW WESTMINSTER, B.C. — The BC Building Trades, BC Federation of Labour and other unions representing the workers that build, operate and maintain ships in the province have released an ad calling for new BC Ferries procurement of its next new major vessels.
“BC Ferries’ next new major vessels should — and can — be built in B.C.,” said Brynn Bourke, executive director of the BC Building Trades, in a statement. “Our shipyards are world-class; we have the experience, skills and capacity to build ferries right here in B.C. But BC Ferries’ badly timed, low-bid procurement process shut out B.C. shipyards and shut out B.C. workers.”
The ad calls on the provincial and federal governments to take action and build these major vessels locally.
This move comes after BC Ferries made a decision to build four large ships in China. B.C. Premier David Eby has said he will not interfere with the company’s decision to contract a Chinese shipyard owned by the Communist government to build the “urgently needed” vessels, despite the deal not being his “preferred outcome.”
Cancelling the contract at this stage would come with several costs, the premier said.
Eby also noted no Canadian company bid for the contract, and B.C. shipyards currently lack the necessary capacity — highlighting the hollowing out of the provincial shipbuilding industry.
The unions, however, have a different opinion.
“The government is facing an important choice – invest in B.C. workers and strengthen our provincial economy, while growing our homegrown shipbuilding sector. Or send millions of dollars out of B.C. and 鶹ýӳ – meaning not one cent of that contract will re-circulate through our businesses, families or communities,” said Sussanne Skidmore, president of the BC Federation of Labour. “There is no doubt that our coastal communities need new ferries, but we can’t miss this generational opportunity to Buy B.C.”
“Our members keep these ships running. When ferries are built overseas, we get delays, repair headaches and parts that don’t fit. Building in B.C. means faster fixes, reliable service and real jobs and training here at home,” added Eric McNeely, provincial president of the BC Ferry and Marine Workers’ Union.
Earlier this month, the House of Commons transport committee also agreed to launch a study into the $1 billion loan BCFerries received from the 鶹ýӳ Infrastructure Bank to finance the purchase the four new electric-diesel ships.
According to the BC Building Trades, that meeting is now set for tomorrow (Aug. 1) and will hear testimony regarding the loan.
— With files from the Canadian press
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