Governor Ferguson commits to addressing WSF engine room crew workforce crisis

||| FROM KRISTIN HYDE for MARINE ENGINEERS BENEFICIAL ASSOCIATION |||

The Marine Engineers Beneficial Association (MEBA) represents  417 licensed and unlicensed engineers who operate, repair, and maintain the fleet of vessels at Washington State Ferries (WSF). 

A growing workforce crisis boiled over this week when crew call-outs resulted in major service disruptions. 

Eric Winge, the MEBA representative for WSF, shared developments today: “Our union leadership and members have been working hard to make sure boats are running and fully staffed.  

“In a letter to our union yesterday, Governor Bob Ferguson said he’s committed to working with MEBA to address the wage gaps impacting engine room crew. He also thanked crew members for their professionalism and commitment to the safety of the Washington State Ferry system. 

“It’s encouraging to see Governor Ferguson acknowledge the essential role marine engineers play in keeping our ferry system going and commit to taking the steps necessary to address our workforce crisis. The root cause driving this crisis is uncompetitive compensation and a growing wage gap between the deck and engine departments.

“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. 

When we have a full fleet of hybrid-electric vessels ferrying passengers around the Puget Sound in the very near future, it’s going to be even more important that our wages are competitive enough to retain and attract the most qualified experienced engineers at WSF.”

Nick Twietmeyer, an oiler on the M/V Spokane, commented: “Engine room crew at WSF have chosen this work for a reason. We love our jobs. We live in the ferry-dependent communities we serve.  And we want the ferry system to be a reliable, safe service for all the people and businesses who depend on it. But the state has to do its part.

Running the ferry system overtime, without enough relief crew when people call out sick or want to take well-deserved time off, is a recipe for disaster. WSF engine crew already work 84 hours in a seven day workweek and because we don’t want to let down ferry dependent communities, many engineers work an extra 500-1,500 hours of overtime a year.  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.”