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Washington State Ferries routes out of service
The Seattle Times • • nation
Key Points:
- Most Washington State ferry routes faced severe disruptions Monday morning, with 13 of 18 vessels out of service due to 23 engine room employees calling in sick, and no replacements available from qualified staff.
- The affected employees are members of the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association union, which has cited overwork and burnout amid staffing shortages and ongoing contract negotiations for better pay and working conditions.
- Key routes such as Seattle-Bainbridge, Seattle-Bremerton, Mukilteo-Clinton, Edmonds-Kingston, and the Fauntleroy/Vashon Island/Southworth triangle experienced cancellations or reduced service, causing long wait times and delays.
- Kitsap Transit is providing additional fast ferry sailings between Seattle and Bremerton, as well as to Southworth, to help alleviate the impact on commuters during the ferry system disruptions.
- Governor Bob Ferguson acknowledged the significant impact on Washington residents and is engaging with ferry system leadership to address the crisis, with further updates expected later in the day.
