Bargaining Update
March 27, 2026
Dear members,
Your Unifor Local 4285 and 4286 bargaining committees have continued negotiations with Marine Atlantic for Agreements “B” (unlicensed onboard personnel) and “C” (onshore skilled trades) over recent months, with recent bargaining dates in February and March.
While discussions have been ongoing since negotiations began in November, progress at the table has been limited. Both collective agreements expired on December 31, 2025.
To date, the parties have not yet moved into monetary proposals, as several key foundational issues remain unresolved. These include important updates required to align both agreements with current provisions of the Canada Labour Code.
These foundational matters are critical to ensuring fair and modern collective agreements, and your committees remain focused on addressing them before moving forward.
Given the slow pace of progress, your union has filed for conciliation by submitting a notice of dispute to the Minister and is seeking the support of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS). Conciliation will help establish timelines and is intended to bring a greater sense of urgency to negotiations as we approach the busy summer season.
There are still many important issues to resolve before a fair agreement can be reached and successfully ratified by the membership.
Unifor Locals 4285 and 4286 remain committed to achieving fair and reasonable agreements that reflect the work performed by their members and support a strong and reliable marine transportation system.
In solidarity,
Your Unifor Local 4285 and 4286 Bargaining Committees
February 18, 2026
Dear members,
Your Unifor Local 4285 and 4286 bargaining committee met with Marine Atlantic from February 9–13 to continue negotiations for Agreement “B.”
While some progress was made at the table, negotiations moved slowly over the course of the week. Your committees are working through several important language proposals, including bulletining and filling of positions, reporting on board, hours of service, overtime and calls, crew accommodations, travelling for work, time off requests and accommodation of employees.
These are key issues that impact members’ day-to-day working conditions, and your committees remain focused on securing improvements and protections in each area.
Additional bargaining dates for Agreement “B” are scheduled for April, and we will continue to fight for members’ priorities with the company at that time.
Local 4285 is scheduled to meet with Marine Atlantic in March to continue bargaining for Agreement “C.” The committee previously met with the company in November.
The current contracts expired on Dec. 31, 2025.
Your bargaining committees are working hard to secure a fair and strong collective agreement. We encourage members to stay informed through official updates like this one. Please do not rely on rumours or speculation. The official communications will come directly from your bargaining committees via these updates following each round of negotiations or as new developments arise.
Thank you for your continued patience and support.
In solidarity,
Your Unifor Local 4285 and 4286 Bargaining Committees
December 2, 2025
Members of Locals 4285 and 4286 at Marine Atlantic,
Your bargaining committees for Locals 4285 and 4286 met with Marine Atlantic from November 24-27, 2025 to officially open bargaining for both Agreement B and C. Notice to bargain was filed on September 1, 2025.
Who We Represent
Local 4285 approximately 630 members:
- Agreement B – storekeepers, cooks, bosun, quartermasters, deckhands, bridgewatch, certified and uncertified engine room assistants, and stewards.
- Agreement C – all shore-based plant maintenance employees of Marine Atlantic.
Local 4286 approximately 100 members:
- All unlicensed vessel employees, including senior chief stewards, chief stewards, pursers and senior chief cooks.
Bargaining Progress
The first week of bargaining went well. Both committees exchanged proposals, and we had constructive discussions on a wide range of issues important to members. We are looking forward to a good round of bargaining and are pleased to be at the table early and moving forward in a timely manner.
Operational and Governmental Updates Affecting Members
The Government of Canada implemented a 50% reduction in passenger and passenger vehicle fares on Marine Atlantic ferries, effective August 1, 2025, as part of a broader initiative to improve interprovincial mobility and reduce transportation costs across Atlantic Canada. This initiative has increased travel on MAI ferries and the employer is looking to increase capacity which is positive for your job security.
In addition, the federal government has provided funding for a replacement of the Leif Ericson, which has been in service since 2001 and used primarily to transport commercial traffic. MAI is looking at options to secure a replacement vessel by Summer 2026, though the replacement will not be a brand-new vessel.
Next Steps
Further dates are secured in the new year for both agreements. We will provide updates to you as bargaining continues.
Thank you to all the members for your support and solidarity as we work toward achieving a fair and strong collective agreement.
