June 26, 1998
(Works, Services and Transportation)
The following is being distributed at the request Marine Atlantic:
Ferry service settlement welcomed
The tentative agreement reached yesterday between Marine Atlantic and
unions representing its shipboard and maintenance workers is welcome news for both the
ferry operator and the tourism industry, according to the company's chief executive
officer.
"A large cloud of uncertainty has been lifted," says Darrell
Weaver. "We can now look forward to what we expect will be a very successful summer.
Marine Atlantic and the Newfoundland tourism industry are anticipating that the favourable
publicity received during the Cabot 500 celebrations last year will translate to a busy
tourism season in 1998. Now that our labour issues have been resolved, we can get down to
business."
The agreement with the Canadian Auto Workers and the Council of
Maintenance Workers came Thursday afternoon, following a 30 hour marathon bargaining
session. The wage provisions in the three-year deal are similar to those reached earlier
with the company's terminal and clerical staff. Other issues of particular concern to the
shipboard and maintenance workers were also addressed. However, the company believes it is
appropriate that union members be informed of the details by their union.
The tentative agreement still has to be ratified by the members of the
bargaining unit, a process which is expected to take about a month. The union negotiating
committee is recommending acceptance.
The settlement comes as Marine Atlantic prepares to join with the
communities of Port aux Basques and North Sydney in celebrating 100 years of ferry
service. The first crossing left Port aux Basques on the evening of June 30, 1898, and
arrived in North Sydney the following morning. Two days of ceremonies and entertainment
are planned to mark the occasion.
Contact: Ted Bartlett, Director of Public Relations, (506) 851-3611, (709)
772-5731.
1998 06 26 1:15 p.m.
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