Ferguson opens talks with ferry engineers' union on wages after sickout disrupted service
The union says engine room wages have fallen 20 per cent behind deck crews.
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson has begun talks with the union representing Washington State Ferries engineers about wages, nearly a week after 23 crew members called in sick and caused widespread delays and cancellations, KIRO 7 reported on Saturday.
Eric Winge of the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association, which represents 417 WSF engineers, said Ferguson told the union he is committed to addressing wage gaps between deck crews and engine room operators.
"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.
Oiler Nick Twietmeyer said engine room wages have "fallen 20% below those of our shipmates above deck," adding that reliable ferries matter to "the thousands of people and businesses in our communities who depend on ferries."
From ARQS Sponsored
To put numbers behind decisions like these, ARQS provides TradeHound, Website audit, Flow automation and SignDesk. In the ARQS Store, ARQS Flow Connect — 30-Day Starter Access, ARQS Pipeline Pro Setup, ARQS Asteroid Command are among the newest tools available.
- Corporate Intelligence
- Market opportunity report
- Market expansion intelligence
- Customer acquisition intelligence
- Operational Intelligence
- Procurement intelligence
- Stock Intelligence
- Trading Intelligence
- Lead system
- DealWatch
- ARQS Digital Declutter — Organization Session
- ARQS Feedback Loop — Customer Survey Design
- ARQS BrandVoice — Brand Voice Audit & Style Guide
From our partners
Partner content
ARQSARQS StoreAI receptionist, business automation, readiness reviews, website audits and launch packages.
TownlineTownline local news and guidesLocal news, weather, events, roads and community guides for British Columbia towns.
ARQS Flow ConnectFlow Connect starter accessA workspace for integrations, approvals and governed workflows. 30-day starter access.
ARQS PressBooks from Jason's PlaceChildren's books and activity books published by ARQS Press.
ARQS GamesARQS browser gamesOriginal browser games to play at home.Most read
- Court halts Vancouver Aquatic Centre demolition until after civic election
- TSX gains 319 points as energy and telecom stocks lead
- Poilievre takes his tariff-free auto pact pitch to Detroit
- 'I Play Rocky' and 'Ceremony' take VIFF audience awards
- BC Conservatives take five-point lead as leaders head into only TV debate
