Crosscut Now
Jan. 20, 2022 - Ferry staffing shortage predates pandemic
1/20/2022 | 1m 15sVideo has Closed Captions
Staffing shortages on Washington ferries predate the pandemic.
For more than two decades, the state's ferry system has been chronically underfunded and staffing efforts are lagging.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Crosscut Now is a local public television program presented by Cascade PBS
Crosscut Now
Jan. 20, 2022 - Ferry staffing shortage predates pandemic
1/20/2022 | 1m 15sVideo has Closed Captions
For more than two decades, the state's ferry system has been chronically underfunded and staffing efforts are lagging.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship(reverent news music) - I'm Starla Sampaco in the Crosscut KCTS 9 newsroom.
Washington State Ferries route cancellations reached a peak in the fall.
In the first half of October, 341 runs were canceled, an unprecedented number.
The ferry system's dwindling workforce is to blame.
Within five years, 26% of Washington State Ferries employees will be eligible to retire.
In addition to the usual retirements, 139 ferry employees have either quit, retired, or been fired because they refuse to get COVID-19 vaccinations.
And since many of these jobs require extensive training and Coast Guard certification, quickly recruiting new crew members is a challenge.
The causes of the current crisis go back well beyond the pandemic.
In 1999, the passage of Initiative 695 slashed revenue from car tabs.
Since then, the state's ferry system has been chronically underfunded.
I'm Starla Sampaco.
Find nonprofit Northwest news every day on crosscut.com.
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