With the possibility B.C. Ferries may be eligible for the federal wage-subsidy program, the corporation has rescinded most of the layoff notices issued just over a week ago.
In a memo from chief executive Mark Collins, B.C. Ferries said it was optimistic it would qualify for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy program, which provides a 75 per cent wage subsidy to eligible employers for up to 12 weeks and encourages companies to re-hire workers previously laid off as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Spokeswoman Deborah Marshall confirmed B.C. Ferries had rescinded layoff notices, and said it continues to work with federal authorities to clarify eligibility rules for the wage subsidy program.
The layoffs of casual, or on-call employees, will not be rescinded, Marshall said, as there is little work due to the pandemic.
Citing an 80 per cent reduction in traffic and daily losses of as much as $1.5 million, B.C. Ferries announced just over a week ago it was laying off as many as 1,400 workers and significantly reducing service levels.
Collins’ memo suggests the corporation will be able to “put hundreds of our people back on the payroll.”
B.C. Ferry and Marine Workers Union president Graeme Johnston said the corporation is doing the right thing.
Johnston said the union did not take issue with the change in service levels or the need for a reduced workforce, but with the fact members were laid off without notice or severance pay.
“We have advised that paying employees their wages instead of layoffs is an appropriate step to mitigate any damages that may result from litigation,” he said.
The union has filed a grievance against B.C. Ferries and a complaint with the Labour Relations Board of unfair labour practices.
