Dear editor,
I am compelled to write this letter in response to John Caddell Sr's letter re: Public sector Unions Must Go (Record, July 27).
While Mr. Caddell’s letter shows his distaste for unions and I fully support his right to voice his opinion, I do not appreciate misinformation being spread on a public forum.
To be perfectly clear, Mr. Caddell, unionized BC Ferry workers do not receive performance bonuses.
In fact the only BC Ferry employees who do receive bonuses are non-union management employees.
For proof of this, go to the employees earning greater than $75,000 list found at the BC Ferries website or Google BC Ferries Compensation Disclosure. The short- and long-term incentive plan lists bonuses for management employees.
Further to this, the July 29, 2012 Sunday Province newspaper on page 9 lists the current BCFS CEO as earning $364,000. You will see on the over 70 K list that he actually earned $944,399 when his bonuses and other adds are included.
In addition to that, a certain arbitrator ruled in 2010 that 150 senior shipboard union positions be removed from the union and be converted to excluded management positions. That in essence makes those newly created management positions now eligible for performances bonuses.
So as the old saying goes: “Be careful what you wish for.”
Jeff Lee
Editor's note: Jeff Lee is a BC Ferry and Marine Workers Union shop steward.