Ferries in the State of Washington Suffer Crew Shortages

Speculation says that the coming Covid-19 vaccination mandate that is looming on October 18 is what’s causing current shortages on the Washington State Ferries (WSF).  Staff have recently been calling in sick out of protest, with almost 26 sick calls impacting approximately 150 ferry crossing cancellations last week.

Due to the concern of rising delays, cancellations and other impacts to the system, the WSF has decided that beginning October 16, all routes will now be decreased by at least one boat operation.

Officials for WSF stated that by decreasing the amount of sailings, they can provide better accuracy on departures and arrivals instead of the hours long delays that customers have unfortunately been having to deal with as of late.

Customers are concerned either way saying that decreasing sailings will only aid in longer wait times and more congested ferries.

Over 200 ferry employees have still not provided their vaccination proof.