Disease devastates WA ferry system; Ferguson urges workers to return Tuesday | Washington State Standard

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson told frustrated union ferry workers he expected “all ships on all routes” to be in service Tuesday morning as a member work stoppage crippled much of the nation’s largest ferry system on Monday.

Thirteen of the ferry system’s 18 ships carrying travelers and commuters across Puget Sound have been out of service at some point Monday, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation. By mid-afternoon, only six ferries were operating.

Ferguson, who has repeatedly touted his efforts to provide passengers with more reliable service, said he met with union leaders Monday morning and noted he was “committed to improving the staffing levels” that precipitated the work stoppage.

“That said, causing significant harm and inconvenience to the people of Washington state is not the way to resolve these issues,” Ferguson said in a statement. “I was very direct in our meeting: I expect every ship on every route to be fully operational no later than when the first ship sails tomorrow morning.”

The workers’ union, the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association, said it had failed to coordinate the 23 engine room workers who had fallen ill, describing it instead as a “frantic cry for help from an abused and frustrated group of highly skilled and committed workers.” It was not clear whether the staffing crisis would continue beyond Monday.

Work stoppages or strikes by ferry workers are prohibited under State Law.

Like the others state worker unionsmembers are not expected to receive a pay increase in their new collective agreement, but it opens up the possibility of negotiating salary next year for the second year of the contract, which runs from July 1, 2027 to June 30, 2029. The terms were decided through arbitration of disputes.

“The MEBA always seeks to be a partner in ensuring the navigation of ships safely and on time,” the union said. “We welcome the cooperation with the leadership of the WSF to achieve this same objective. »

Routes Seattle-Bainbridge Island, Edmonds-Kingston, the Fauntleroy-Vashon Island-Southworth triangle and Port Townsend-Coupeville were all out of service for at least part of Monday. The Port Townsend-Coupeville race returned in the afternoon, as a vacancy was filled.

Others remained afloat with reduced service. At the Clinton terminal, drivers waited about three hours to cross the water to Mukilteo. And the Point Defiance-Tahlequah route threatened to be taken out of service in the afternoon due to crew shortages, but continued to operate.

Workers qualified to replace the called-up employees refused to replace them, according to the Department of Transportation. Without them, boats cannot sail.

Justin Fujioka, a spokesman for Washington State Ferries, said the agency didn’t know what to expect Tuesday.

“It’s a very dynamic situation,” he said. “You can call in sick 24 hours before the scheduled time or five minutes before. We don’t ask for reasons. There is a chance of filling positions if we know sooner.”

Fujioka said the main priority is to keep one boat serving Vashon Island and at least one boat in the San Juan Islands because they provide a lifeline for residents.

The crisis that struck Monday has been brewing for years.

Members have long complained about uncompetitive salaries and the use of overtime that lead to burnout. A June survey of more than 80 members found that more than 60 percent were somewhat or very likely to retire or leave the ferry system for another job. More than half reported poor morale among their colleagues.

“Using voluntary overtime to meet minimum safety requirements is irresponsible; in fact, it is a recipe for disaster,” the union said in a statement Monday afternoon. “Engineers, all of whom are already required to work 84 hours a (seven day) week, inevitably face burnout when asked to work the number of overtime hours required by the current interim system.

The ferry agency countered that chief engineers have a base salary of $157,000 that can rise to $350,000 with overtime, retirement and vacation pay.

“We hope our employees will return to work as soon as possible,” the ferry system said. social networks.

Justin Paulsen, president of the San Juan County Council, said his inbox has been flooded with more than 100 emails about the impacts it has had on his ferry-dependent constituents.

Paulsen said in an email: “Many tragic stories of missed chemotherapy appointments, canceled specialty trips, missed flights and many more. »

This story has been updated.

Independent journalist Tom Banse contributed to this report.