B.C. Ferries has struggled with staffing shortages for months and it just keeps getting worse.
With the on going labour shortage B.C. Ferries release a warning there may be disruptions “isolated sailing cancellations” during the busy summer season.
According to the B.C. Ferries, it is experiencing higher-than-expected retirements in key shipboard positions. Hiring challenges are fueled b by vaccination policies and difficulties in recruiting international candidates due to the pandemic.
The corporation insists it is not the only alone with a on going 25-year global shortage of professional mariners They noted crew shortages are also problematic for the ferry systems of Washington State, Alaska, New Zealand, and the BC Ministry of Transportation’s interior lake-crossing routes.
BC Ferries said it has tried to respond to the shortage by cross training employees, bringing on reserve staff and providing overtime for staff who cover gaps.
It has even been reaching to retired employees to bring them back for the short term.
