Engineer sickout takes most Washington State Ferries vessels out of service

Washington State Ferries, the largest ferry system in the US, was largely halted on Monday 5 October when 23 engine-room employees called in sick and qualified replacements declined to cover. Thirteen of its 18 vessels were out of service at some point, and by mid-afternoon only six were running. Routes including Seattle–Bainbridge Island and Edmonds–Kingston were stopped for part of the day. The Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association said it did not organise the action and described it as a cry for help over overtime, burnout and pay. Governor Bob Ferguson said he expected every route running the next morning. Strikes by ferry workers are illegal under state law. The agency says chief engineers earn a base of US$157,000.