Hullo Ferries' workers voting on whether to strike | Daily Hive

Hullo Ferries' downtown Vancouver terminal on Aug. 4, 2025. (Kenneth Chan)

UPDATE: 91 per cent of the workers of Hullo Ferries have voted in favour of a strike.

ORIGINAL STORY:

Members of the union comprised of crew and workers on Hullo Ferries — the high-speed passenger ferry service between downtown Vancouver and Nanaimo — are currently in the process of voting whether to strike.

The voting process began over the Labour Day long weekend, and it is expected to conclude later today.

Hullo Ferries first launched its privately owned and operated service just over two years ago in mid-August 2023, and their workers voted to join the B.C. Ferry and Marine Workers’ Union (BCFMWU) in September 2024, which is the same union that represents employees at BC Ferries.

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BCFMWU says it has been unable to negotiate a deal with the company over the past year to establish the first-ever collective agreement for these workers.

“We don’t want to disrupt service, but our members can’t wait forever. Our members would rather be serving passengers than preparing job action. But after nearly a year of waiting for an agreement, they’ve been left with no choice,” said Eric McNeely, president of the BC Ferry & Marine Workers’ Union, in a statement, accusing the company of declaring an impasse.

According to the union, the company has made one counterproposal over the past year.

“Declaring impasse after so little movement is a sign the employer isn’t serious about reaching a fair deal. Our members keep passengers moving every day. They deserve respect and a fair contract,” continued McNeely.

In a statement in response, Hullo Ferries interim CEO Ryan Dermody said they believe they have already offered a package with competitive compensation, which includes enhanced benefits.

“Navigating this process has been complex for everyone involved, and we appreciate the passion and dedication that’s come through on all sides. As we work through our first collective bargaining process with the union, our main focus has been on finding a path forward together that works for everyone,” said Dermody.

“The latest proposal we’ve put on the table, which includes competitive compensation and enhanced benefits, is our way of showing that we’re committed to our people. We see it as a strong step toward our shared goal: ensuring the well-being of our employees while also building a healthy, sustainable company for the long term. Reaching a final agreement is a big undertaking and we are hopeful that we can find a resolution without any unnecessary disruption.”

The company employs a total workforce of approximately 100 crew and staff.

Hullo Ferries has seen success with its service of providing multiple round-trips per day between downtown Vancouver and Nanaimo, with end-to-end travel times of about 70 minutes. Earlier this summer, they shared that they have become a vital new option for over 50,000 families. Later in September 2025, Hullo Ferries is expected to reach and exceed the milestone of recording its first one million passengers.

Currently operating with a fleet of two 350-seat, high-speed catamaran vessels, the company has ambitions to grow its fleet size to further improve its route between downtown Vancouver and Nanaimo, and launch a second route between downtown Vancouver and Victoria.

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