BC Ferries job cuts expected: union

Rumours are flying that BC Ferries plans to cut about 35 non-union jobs, and there is concern that unionized workers might be next.

A spokesperson for the company would not confirm the rumours when contacted Monday afternoon by the CBC but said CEO David Hahn was planning to release a statement Tuesday.

But Richard Goode, acting president of the B.C. Ferry and Marine Workers Union, said he has heard several non-union jobs — mostly in management — are being cut.

"The company is going through some changes at this time and, due to their current fiscal situation, they are starting to eliminate some [union-]exempt positions, some manager positions. We understand ... about 35 exempt managers will be affected by this downsizing," Goode said.

The union has been told nothing officially about any job cuts, said Goode, but he's worried about union jobs.

BC Ferries has struggled with fewer passengers, as Americans and other tourists are staying home due to the economy, said Goode.

Company downsizing: minister

B.C.'s Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon would not confirm the job cuts, but told the CBC the company is looking to downsize because of the economic outlook.

"Every organization both private and public is probably going to be looking at how they can reduce costs. BC Ferries is not immune to that," said Falcon.

"They are going to be looking at reducing some of their management overhead. I feel badly when anyone is losing their jobs.

"I feel it is appropriate that BC Ferries takes the steps to make sure they are running as lean an organization as they can."