BC Ferries reverses course on hundreds of layoffs

About 500 British Columbia workers handed layoff notices by BC Ferries are back on the payroll after the company altered staffing plans during the COVID-19 crisis.

A total of 1,100 workers were due to be laid off last Saturday but the notices were rescinded for 500 regular employees as BC Ferries waits to learn if it qualifies for federal wage subsidies.

A spokeswoman for the company says it could take some time to determine eligibility and even if approved, the layoffs will go ahead for 600 casual workers.

Physical distancing regulations require the company to cut passenger levels by 50 per cent and traffic has also plunged, prompting BC Ferries to cancel one major route and trim sailings on other routes.