From Seattletimes · · 1m 40s
Competitive Pay for WA Ferries Engineers
WA ferries need competitive wages to keep engineers and avoid service disruptions.
In brief
WA ferries need competitive wages to keep engineers and avoid service disruptions. Washington State Ferries must pay engineers competitive wages to prevent service disruptions and retain staff. Originally reported by Seattletimes.
Ferry service disruptions
The Washington State Ferry system has been failing ferry-dependent communities and engine room crew for years.
Engineer shortage crisis
Low morale and frustration that compensation does not reflect qualifications, responsibilities or job demands have made it difficult to find engineers willing to work additional shifts.
Engineer licensing requirements
It takes 1,080 days of sea service to qualify for a third assistant engineer’s license and an additional 720 days of sea service to qualify for a chief engineer’s license.
Engineer work conditions
Engineers work below deck in a loud, windowless, hot environment ensuring safe operations and needed maintenance and repairs.
Engineer overtime impact
Washington State Ferries engine crew worked more than 100,000 hours of overtime last year alone, with many working 500-1,500 extra hours annually.
Engineer retention crisis
A June survey found over 60% of marine engineers say they are likely to retire or leave WSF for a job elsewhere.
Wage gap issue
Engineers’ wages have fallen 20% below those of shipmates above deck and WSF engineers make 40% less than public and private sector maritime engineers.
Hybrid ferry transition
The state plans to convert ferries to hybrid-electric by 2040, with first deliveries expected in the next few years and service starting around 2029 to 2030.
Government action
Gov. Bob Ferguson has publicly acknowledged the need to close the wage gap and ordered a new salary survey to address the issue.
The main idea
Washington State Ferries must pay engineers competitive wages to prevent service disruptions and retain staff.
