SEATTLE, Wash. — Operations across the Washington State Ferry system returned mostly to normal Tuesday, following a “sick-out” by engine room workers that nearly shut down the service Monday, Oct. 5.
Though regular sailings resumed, residual delays persisted Tuesday morning.
A spokesperson for the ferry system explained that crews working Monday were stretched thin, causing personnel to hit mandatory rest requirements and leaving some crew members out of position Tuesday morning.
The spokesperson added that some reduced sailings for early October had already been planned on select routes prior to the “sick-out.”
A union spokesperson representing engine workers who called out sick Monday said they had no updates on Tuesday.
Monday, the union said workers were frustrated with Washington state’s minimum staffing levels, which often lead to canceled sailings across the system when required personnel are missing.
While commuters feel the impact of canceled sailings, several riders expressed understanding of the workers’ concerns.
Christine Emery, a local commuter from Bremerton, noted the timing of the demonstration on Monday which she characterized as a major business day.
“And yesterday being October 5th, being a government business day with the fiscal year starting now, they made their voice loud and clear,” Emery said. “The governor heard it, and with this being a state ferry service, I hope everybody gets what they want.”
The disruption also altered plans for out-of-town visitors at Colman Dock.
Kimberly Nava, a visitor from California, opted not to ride the ferry Monday and decided against taking it on Tuesday.
“Just taking in the views from here (Colman Dock) unfortunately,” Nava said.
She explained that schedule constraints prevented them from taking a trip on the water.
“Today’s our last day, so it didn’t really work out with our schedule,” Nava added.
The Edmonds/Kingston ferry route will be suspended from 7 p.m. Tuesday until approximately 10 a.m. Wednesday for railroad work.
The planned closure will block access to the Edmonds ferry terminal and was already planned before Monday’s “sick-out” snarled the system with sailing cancellations.
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