Commute chaos as WA State Ferries cancels dozens of runs as workers out sick

Numerous Washington state ferry sailings were canceled Monday as many workers called in sick and their replacements declined to fill in for them, according to state officials.

Thirteen of the ferry system’s 18 vessels transporting travelers and commuters across Puget Sound were out of commission Monday morning, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.

The Seattle-Bainbridge Island, Edmonds-Kingston, Fauntleroy-Vashon Island-Southworth triangle and Port Townsend-Coupeville routes were all out of service Monday. Others remained afloat with reduced service. At the Clinton terminal, drivers were waiting an estimated three hours to cross the water to Mukilteo. And the Point Defiance-Tahlequah route may be out of service following the 12:10 p.m. sailing due to the crew shortage.

This came after 23 engine room employees called in sick, and the workers qualified to replace them declined to fill in, according to the transportation department. Without them, the boats can’t sail. 

The engine room workers are represented by the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association union. Work stoppages or strikes among ferry workers are prohibited under state law. The union didn’t immediately comment.

Members have long complained of uncompetitive wages and a reliance on overtime that drives burnout. A survey of 80-plus members in June found more than 60% were either somewhat or very likely to retire or leave the ferry system for another job. Over half reported poor morale among their colleagues.

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

“We expect our employees to return to work as soon as possible,” the ferry system said on social media.

Gov. Bob Ferguson, who has pushed heavily for more reliable ferry service in his first term, said he’s been meeting with Washington State Ferries leadership. 

“I understand thousands of Washingtonians are deeply impacted by what’s happening with our ferries,” he said in a Monday morning statement. “More details to come on how we’re going to resolve this situation.”

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.