SEATTLE, Wash. — Nearly a week later, 23 crew members called out sick, causing mass delays and cancellations on ferry routes across the Sound.
Eric Winge, a representative of the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association, the union that represents 417 engineers for Washington State Ferries, said the union had spoken with Washington Governor Bob Ferguson about addressing staffing shortages.
According to Winge, Ferguson told the union he was committed to addressing wage gaps between deck crews and engine room operators in the Ferry System.
“The Washington state ferry system has been failing ferry-dependent communities and workers alike for years. In the midst of a global marine engineer shortage, it’s critical that we fix engine room workforce challenges so that ferry service will be reliable in the years ahead,” Winge said.
“Our wages aren’t keeping up with the market and have fallen 20% below those of our shipmates above deck. I work a second job in my off weeks just to make ends meet. I’m hopeful the state is serious about fixing this system. That would be a win for WSF crew and, more importantly, the thousands of people and businesses in our communities who depend on ferries to get around,” said Nick Twietmeyer, an oiler for WFS, in a statement from the union.
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