Transpo official, union split over mandate for more ferry workers
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BREMERTON, Wash. -- Major staffing woes with the state ferry system now include a battle between the secretary of transportation and a union that represents workers.
Staffing issues caused a total of 85 missing sailings since mid-June.
But things are improving, said David Moseley at a community meeting on Tuesday night.
"Fifteens straight days now -- not that I'm counting -- that we haven't missed sailings," he said.
But now a new Coast Guard review mandates more staff on some boats -- a move that will cost about $3 million over the next 14 months, according to the state.
"That's additional money that we don't have," said Moseley.
In addition to the cost, Secretary of Transportation Paula Hammond, in a letter to the Coast Guard, said it is not possible to implement the additional licensed mate position within the 30-day time frame. She asked for a delay in implementing that part of the mandate.
But the International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots, a union that represents licensed mates, says it is possible.
The Problem Solvers obtained a copy of the letter the union sent to Hammond which states that the union has ample qualified personnel and that Hammond "does not accurately describe the ability of the (union) to provide Deck Officers."
Whenever that additional staffing is added, it will cost the state to do it.
"Working with the governor's office and Legislature, we'll have to figure that out in the end," said Moseley.
And looking to the next budget cycle, one proposal would cut late night and some other runs to save the system close to $5 million.
"Well, it is the reality. I'm very aware of that," said Joan Dingfield of the Bremerton Ferry Advisory Committee. "I've followed along through the whole ferry funding study that went on in 2008 and 2009, and there is no money."
Whether late-night and other runs are eliminated is entirely up to lawmakers. And when the legislative session starts, there will be new people in key positions following last week's election.
Staffing issues caused a total of 85 missing sailings since mid-June.
But things are improving, said David Moseley at a community meeting on Tuesday night.
"Fifteens straight days now -- not that I'm counting -- that we haven't missed sailings," he said.
But now a new Coast Guard review mandates more staff on some boats -- a move that will cost about $3 million over the next 14 months, according to the state.
"That's additional money that we don't have," said Moseley.
In addition to the cost, Secretary of Transportation Paula Hammond, in a letter to the Coast Guard, said it is not possible to implement the additional licensed mate position within the 30-day time frame. She asked for a delay in implementing that part of the mandate.
But the International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots, a union that represents licensed mates, says it is possible.
The Problem Solvers obtained a copy of the letter the union sent to Hammond which states that the union has ample qualified personnel and that Hammond "does not accurately describe the ability of the (union) to provide Deck Officers."
Whenever that additional staffing is added, it will cost the state to do it.
"Working with the governor's office and Legislature, we'll have to figure that out in the end," said Moseley.
And looking to the next budget cycle, one proposal would cut late night and some other runs to save the system close to $5 million.
"Well, it is the reality. I'm very aware of that," said Joan Dingfield of the Bremerton Ferry Advisory Committee. "I've followed along through the whole ferry funding study that went on in 2008 and 2009, and there is no money."
Whether late-night and other runs are eliminated is entirely up to lawmakers. And when the legislative session starts, there will be new people in key positions following last week's election.
"Fifteens straight days now -- not that I'm counting -- that we haven't missed sailings," he said.
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Whoopty do!!! So you all are doing your jobs like your supposed to. Want a pat on the back?
 @Tattooed_Angel And don't forget the gold star two. For doing what your paid to do.
Simple cut the runs necessary to keep in budget... depending on a ferry to get to work each day is not my problem... people moved to the remote places they gorging to have to workaround a maintainable ferry schedule. I only take ferries when I am going on road trips not for my day to day commute. That is ridiculous!
 Just get rid of it all together it's a cancer that needs to be cut out. Make the island residents pay for there own system they choose live on that side they can fund it.Â
Actually the 4:40 boat wasn't cancelled, it was 15 minutes late cause of mechanical issues.
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KOMO, surely you can pay somebody enough to completely spell out Transportation in the headline.
WTF is a Transpo?
 @Bornhere lol
Staffing issues caused a total of 85 missing sailings since mid-June.
"Fifteens straight days now -- not that I'm counting -- that we haven't missed sailings," he said.
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Hm... Clearly a union action that must not go unanswered.
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 @giveitarest But the union passionately denies that fact. So it must be true. Unions never lie. (sarcasm)
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Sorry you didn't show up for work. We have place someone else in your assignment. Please go home and wait for us to call you.
 @Rider  @giveitarest Union's do not hold that kind of power anymore all they care about is collecting monthly dues that seem to rise every year and maybe they might represent you if your pulled in for a disciplined hearing if there scheduling works out. Be ready to represent yourself. The union won't even talk to most of there members because they fear that most of there (UNION BROTHERS) are WSF management spies paranoia at it's finest that's why it takes two weeks to get a return phone call if at all. Or if your real lucky you get a message stating I'm out of the office call back later.
Pual Hammond needs to go. Granted, she is Christine's friend, but her debacle in many state transportation issues has demonstarted she is uniqely unqualified.
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Gov. Jay - can you appoint someone who is actually qualified, not just your babysitter's mom or something like that?
 @sentryone It is way past time for her to go. And David Moseley
Time to turn the whole system over to private business and get rid of all the free ride loaders called state workers..
 @Windowseat Just shut it down completely don't even bother with private business there is no profit in it. Residents made the choice to live over there make all the island residents fund there own boats. And car pool around the narrow's bridge for KITSAP residents. And if you can't get employment on that side of water maybe they should not live over there.
Hate to burst your bubble, but the 4:40AM boat from Clinton was cancelled yesterday, 11/14/12.
 @h20dad Record broken didn't take long.
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