{"id":714433,"date":"2026-06-04T11:52:41","date_gmt":"2026-06-04T11:52:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/714433\/"},"modified":"2026-06-04T11:52:41","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T11:52:41","slug":"newfoundland-and-labrador-appeals-to-ottawa-as-strike-threatens-ferry-to-nova-scotia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/714433\/","title":{"rendered":"Newfoundland and Labrador appeals to Ottawa as strike threatens ferry to Nova Scotia"},"content":{"rendered":"

ST. JOHN\u2019S \u2014 Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Tony Wakeham is appealing for help from the federal government as a strike looms for workers on Marine Atlantic ferries.<\/p>\n

The premier wrote to Federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon on Wednesday, asking him to maintain the essential service designation of the ferry between Newfoundland and Nova Scotia.<\/p>\n

Wakeham\u2019s letter says he recognizes workers\u2019 rights, but he sees the ferry service as a \u201clifeline,\u201d since much of Newfoundland and Labrador\u2019s food and essential goods arrive by ferry.<\/p>\n

Marine Atlantic is a federal Crown corporation which operates year-round and seasonal routes between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.<\/p>\n

In a statement, spokesperson Darrell Mercer said Unifor has asked the Canadian Industrial Relations Board to allow reduced operations if its members go on strike.<\/p>\n

Unifor represents about 700 Marine Atlantic workers and it said last week that negotiations broke down because the employer would not engage with the union\u2019s proposals.<\/p>\n

The union says conciliation expires on June 8, after which workers have a 21-day \u201ccooling off period\u201d before they can strike, or before the company locks them out.<\/p>\n

A Unifor news release says before any strike or lockout can happen, the parties must either have a decision from the Canadian Industrial Relations Board, or a mutual agreement on what services will continue.<\/p>\n

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 3, 2026.<\/p>\n

The Canadian Press<\/p>\n

\t\tKeep it Factual<\/p>\n

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