Possible Disruption in Marine Services

ADVISORY TO THE PUBLIC:

The Minister of Works, Services and Transportation Lloyd Matthews is advising the public to consider the potential impact of a strike by marine services workers on the province' ferries when making travel plans.

No agreement has yet been reached and government has been advised of the possibility of strike action as early as Monday.

An essential services agreement has been negotiated with NAPE which provides sufficient workers to maintain a reduced level of service. This includes a minimum crew, comprised of the two captains, and the remainder of the crew to be comprised of crew members in each classification, sufficient to meet minimum crewing requirements.

In the event of a strike, a revised schedule of ferry service will be implemented as follows:

• One round trip per day on each individual service, commencing at 9 a.m. from the respectiveisland (the tie-up location) and returning to arrive at the island location at 5 p.m.

• Priority consideration will be provided to emergency situations. This will include passengers with medical appointments, food and fuel, bereavement, medical personnel, police, fire and other emergency government service personnel.

• Non-emergency passengers may travel during the round trip, subject to space availability.

• Other emergency trips will be made as necessary.

1998 06 06 1:30 p.m.