Ferguson opens talks with ferry engineers' union on wages after sickout disrupted service

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."