Four sailings between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen were cancelled on Tuesday due to crewing issues, according to BC Ferries.
Monday saw multiple BC Ferries cancellations as well for the same reason, including routes between Tsawwassen and Duke Point. This, even after BC Ferries said it began actively recruiting new hires, offering incentives such as a $10,000 signing bonus.
When asked about crewing issues, the company said cancellations are a last resort.
“We have been short a couple of crew members over the last couple of days and unfortunately when these situations do occur, we have to try to exhaust all options; fill those positions. But if we’re unable to, we will have to cancel for safety reasons” said Deborah Marshall, public affairs executive director for BC Ferries.
To date, the company says it’s hired 850 new workers, passengers however are concerned that may not be enough as another long weekend nears.
One passenger told CHEK News that he arrived at 11:30 a.m. for a noon sailing, but was told that the next sailing he may be able to get on to was at 3:00 p.m.
BC Ferries says it’s actively hiring new workers and is looking to bring on around 150 more workers to its fleets.
Oli Herrera
