Ferry workers ask Gov. to negotiate lower wages

On Feb. 2, Gov. Chris Gregoire released the following statement on reaching an agreement on labor contracts with state ferry workers:

“This morning I announced that I have reached an agreement on new labor contracts with five unions representing about 1,500 state ferry workers. These workers have recognized the dire economic situation in this state. The remarkable thing about this development is that representatives of these unions came to me and said they wanted to renegotiate their contracts.

“At the same time, all of us—labor and management—are forming a work group to look hard at how to do things better in the ferry system. We are going to sit down together over the next month to discover ways to put the financially troubled ferry system back onto firmer footing.

“I applaud these ferry workers for their understanding and flexibility, and look forward to working with them as we develop strategies to improve Washington’s renowned ferry system.”