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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