The strike at the Matane-Baie-Comeau-Godbout cross strike is felt up to Trois-Pistoles and Rivière-du-Loup. The trades that ensure the trips between the two banks west of Matane saw an increase in traffic on Friday.
At the Quai de Rivière-du-Loup, more than a hundred cars were parked in the waiting area. Some have even left their vehicle to the platform to embark on foot, just to maximize their chances of obtaining a place on the boat.
The influx of travelers exerts considerable pressure on the crews. The two departures on Friday at the Quai de Rivière-du-Loup took place almost half an hour late.
In addition, the Trans-Saint-Laurent team said at the start of the evening on Friday that the crossing at 6 p.m. from Rivière-du-Loup and that of Saint-Siméon at 7:30 p.m. were canceled “due to a technical problem”. For the moment, no crossing is canceled for tomorrow, July 5. We apologize for this situation. The whole team works [d’arrache-pied]
said the crossing on social networks.
Jean-Philippe Rioux, captain of the ship inheritance 1. (Archives photo)
Photo: Radio-Canada / Gabriel Paré-Asatoory
On the Trois-Pistoles side, inheritance employees I received several booking requests for the passage which connects the southern bank to the Escoumins. July being a very busy period, the ferry displays full for the next few days.
It’s been two weeks since all places are reserved, according to Captain Jean-Philippe Rioux. He recalls that in the 40 places available on the boat, 35 are open for reservations and 5 remain free for the first arrivals to the quay.
Trade management
This is the Clarke inc. and the Corporate Society of Quebec (STQ) which ensure the exploitation of the ferry in Rivière-du-Loup. Broadcast employees have a union affiliation distinct from those of the Matane-Baie-Comeau-Godbout crosspiece.
In Trois-Pistoles, inheritance 1 is managed by the Basque navigation company, an entity distinct from the STQ. This subtlety is not understood by everyone, observes the captain of the ferry service.
People arrive here and when you have no room, they are outraged and angry with STQ And it is a bit we who eat the insults […]while we are doing everything we can to cross the world.
The strike could persist until July 13.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Flavie Sauvageau
Repercussions on the tourism industry
The President and Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Bas-Saint-Laurent, Pierre Lévesque, confirms that a less crossing every day until July 13 will have a negative impact on the tourism industry. He recalls that 28 % of people who embark on the ferry are tourists.
According to him, they are used to visiting the two banks of the St. Lawrence during long stays, but strikes could undermine their confidence in the crossings.
