Union: Overheated galleys on new BC ferries put crew at risk

Salish Orca

(VICTORIA, British Columbia) — The union representing workers at BC Ferries says the galleys in the operator's new Salish-class vessels are dangerously hot and working in them could be hazardous, CBC News reported.

Graeme Johnston, president of the B.C. Ferry and Marine Workers' Union, said there have been "significant" concerns about heat-related health issues while working in the galleys and he wants management to find a solution. "Temperatures are far in excess of what we would consider normal conditions," he said.

Johnston says crewmembers working in the Salish-class vessels, built by Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A. in Poland, are exposed to heat-stroke risks and also greater fatigue, which could increase the chance of a workplace accident.

He attributed the problem to a "major" design flaw in the air-conditioning systems. Mark Wilson, BC Ferries vice president of engineering, also said the overheating is related to air conditioning.

Wilson said some work has been done to "dramatically" improve the situation, but more will needed.

Click here to read the story.

By Professional Mariner Staff