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Internal BC Ferries memo blames job cuts on economy

Memos circulated at B.C. Ferries Services Inc. today blame the worsening economy for making a “significant” restructuring of the company necessary and for a growing list of job cuts.

“As you are aware, economic conditions in BC and, for that matter, around the world, continue to adversely affect tourism and travel,” said executive vice-president and chief operating officer Mike Corrigan in a memo first reported on by Christina Montgomery at the Province. “As we look forward, we do not anticipate economic conditions to improve in the foreseeable future. This will continue to negatively impact our vehicle, passenger, and commercial ferry travel throughout our network.”

The Tyee earlier reported that NDP ferry critic Gary Coons said the job losses show the publicly owned private company is in serious financial trouble.

Some three dozen non-union positions have already been cut and there's speculation the total may reach 100 by the time the restructuring is complete. B.C. Ferries officials have reportedly said they will make a statement tomorrow.

Following is the full text of Corrigan's memo:

January 19, 2009

Operational Changes and Appointments

The mandate of the Operations Division is to operate a safe, reliable, and efficient system that is customer focused, inclusive of terminals, vessels, engineering, customer care, food, retail, and catering operations.

As you are aware, economic conditions in BC and, for that matter, around the world, continue to adversely affect tourism and travel.

This past year we have made numerous adjustments and changes to improve operational efficiencies and reduce costs.

As we look forward, we do not anticipate economic conditions to improve in the foreseeable future. This will continue to negatively impact our vehicle, passenger, and commercial ferry travel throughout our network.

In response to market conditions, both the Company and Operations Division have determined the necessity to significantly restructure our business to maintain its viability while continuing to ensure that safety and the SailSafe Program remain our top priority.

At this time, we advise you of the following appointments that are effective immediately.

Fleet Operations and Training

Captain Jamie Marshall is appointed Vice President, Fleet Operations and Training.

Jeff Joyce, Director, Operational Training will continue to report to Captain Marshall.

Safety

Darren Johnston, Director, Safety will report directly to me and oversee both occupational and operational safety.

Terminal Operations

In addition to her current responsibilities, Corrine Storey, Vice President, Terminal Operations will be responsible for the Security Department and Monique Joubarne, Director, Security will report directly to Corrine.

Paul McDaniel, Regional Director, Southern Region will also assume responsibility for Tsawwassen terminal operations.

Jason Bowman, Regional Director, Central Region will also assume responsibility for Departure Bay/Duke Point terminal operations.

Mike Menzies, Regional Director, Tsawwassen is appointed Director, Standards and will report to Corrine Storey.

Don Cheshire has been appointed within the Operations and Security Centre at Fleet House as Manager, Operations Centre.

Engineering

In addition to his current responsibilities, Mark Collins, Vice President, Engineering will assume responsibility for Environmental Affairs and Ross Cameron, Environmental Advisor will report within Engineering.

Re-deployment of Staff and Changes

As a result of these changes, the following Operations staff have been re-deployed as follows:

• Captain Ratch Wallace will be returning to the fleet

• Captain Scott Tuttle will be returning to the fleet

• Mohan Raman will be returning to the fleet

• Bill Calvert is appointed Lead Auditor, Engineering within the Safety Department

• Roberta Chartier is appointed Business Lead, Reservations and Point of Sale Systems

The following staff have left the Company and we sincerely thank them for their services and wish them the best:

[List of 12 names follows.]

Please note that while these are the substantive changes within the Operations Division, over the next few weeks, further adjustments in roles and responsibilities may be required as we implement these changes.

We ask for your understanding and continued cooperation and will keep you informed.

Mike Corrigan

Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

Andrew MacLeod is The Tyee’s Legislative Bureau Chief in Victoria. Reach him here.


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