Quebec ferry passengers struggle to deal with strike action

A ferry boat strike has inconvenienced thousands of Quebecers who rely on the boats for transport.

• Quebec ferry service limited due to strike action
• Quebec public-sector workers to strike starting Oct. 26

Service at two busy river crossings was cancelled completely on Tuesday, as the ferries did not operate between Lvis and Quebec City and between Sorel-Tracy and Saint-Ignace-de-Loyola.

Limited service is still being offered between Isle-aux-Coudres-St-Joseph-de-la-Rive and Matane-Baie-Comeau-Godbout, as well as the Tadoussac-Baie-Sainte-Catherine crossing on the Saguenay River.

Sorel-Tracy Mayor Serge Ploquin said that many workers from such companies as Rio Tinto, ArcelorMittal and Alstom have been forced to travel two-and-a-half hours to cross the river.

Meanwhile, the 4,000 users who cross daily between Quebec City and Lviswere rerouted onto bridges.

About 150 navigation officers and mechanics of the Socit des Traversiers du Qubec union are striking for higher pay and increased parental and retirement benefits.

Union representative Gordon Ringuette laid the blame on the provincial government.

"Unfortunately, the public can thank the Liberal government's austerity program," he said.

Quebec City taxi drivers have attempted to help embattled ferry customers by organizing taxi carpools.