Engine Crew Shortage Snarls Ferry Service on Whidbey Island

Twenty-Three Washington State Ferry Engineers Called in Sick Monday

On Monday morning, the Washington State Ferries (WSF) announced that 13 of its 18 ferries were out of service, after 23 engine room employees “called in sick.” Additionally, every qualified employee subsequently refused to fill in for the absent workers.  For passengers, the consequences were immediate: missed connections, disrupted commutes, delayed medical visits, and general […]

What we know about the apparent ‘sick-out’ by WA ferry engine room workers that caused disruptions

Washington State Ferries (WSF) dealt with major disruptions Monday as a result of a severe crew shortage. In a statement, a representative for the union said the issues were “a crisis of WSF’s management’s own making.”

Closer to normal operations expected after 'sick-out' disrupts Washington State Ferries

A "sick-out" of engine room employees over wages caused major disruptions Monday.

Engine crew shortage snarls ferry service on Whidbey Island

A total of 13 of 18 state ferries were sidelined on Monday, affecting both island ferry routes.

Washington State Ferries sees partial recovery on Tuesday as wage freeze and burnout fuel engine-room labor crisis

Washington State Ferries sees partial recovery on Tuesday as wage freeze and burnout fuel engine-room labor crisis Off patr Tue, 10/06/2026