Lawmakers act to roll back state ferry workers’ travel perk

OLYMPIA — Gov. Chris Gregoire and state lawmakers are stepping up efforts to change practices within the state ferry system that allow employees to earn thousands of dollars a year commuting to and from their jobs.

On Wednesday, the state Senate overwhelmingly passed a bill giving the governor power to negotiate less generous benefits for union ferry workers in talks on a new contract later this year. Senators specifically called for an end to a perk allowing workers to ride ferries for free when off-duty.

The vote came a day after Gregoire requested State Auditor Brian Sonntag conduct a performance audit of Washington State Ferries’ timekeeping, payroll and scheduling processes.

She also asked John Groundwater, executive director of the Passenger Vessel Association, a national trade group, to lead a panel of experts in ferry operations in sizing up the state ferry management practices and offering ideas for improvement. She wants a report by Aug. 1.

Gregoire also directed her budget office and the Department of Transportation to prepare a report that compares ferry workers’ salaries and benefits with those of other state employees. The information is due to her in April and certain to be part of upcoming talks with unions representing most of the 1,700 workers in the ferries division.

“Efforts to reform and cut costs have been going on for a while. We want to make sure what we’re doing is working,” said Viet Shelton, spokesman for the governor. “The travel reimbursement issue is something to be looked at in the process.”

This rush of activity stems in part from inquiries from media and private watchdog groups about the practice of compensating state ferry workers for their time and mileage traveling to and from terminals for daily shifts.

In 2009, a deckhand with a $60,000 salary pulled in an additional $73,000 through this benefit. Another 90 people — deck hands, pilots, oilers and engineers — collected at least $20,000 apiece in expense reimbursements.

Under both agency policies and union contracts, most ferry workers are assigned a homeport, and whenever they are sent to cover a shift at another port they are reimbursed for mileage and paid their hourly wage during the time spent commuting.

When vessels are moved to a different route — as was done this week when a boat went down on the Seattle-Bremerton route — engineers assigned to the vessel travel with it and are entitled to the reimbursement.

Relief workers, who are primarily deckhands, pilots and engine room personnel dispatched to fill a shift on short notice, rack up the largest chunk of reimbursements.

Some of them do not have standing routes and select shifts based on seniority. They can choose a job far from their home that would lead to a sizable reimbursement. On the other hand, less senior employees can get the shifts far from their home. In either event, this can add up.

All together, $6.4 million was paid out in 2009 and it angered lawmakers.

“Clearly there is some light being shed on things that indicate we need to continue to make improvements,” David Moseley, head of the ferries division, said Wednesday.

He said he’s looking forward to what recommendations emerge from the audit, the experts, the lawmakers and conversations with the workers.

On Wednesday, the Senate narrowly voted down an amendment to impose restrictions on the reimbursement payments but did add wording to ban ferry workers from riding for free off-duty — once current union contracts expire.

The proposed legislation, Senate Bill 3209, now goes to the House for final action.

Jerry Cornfield: 360-352-8623; jcornfield@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

on Monday, July 14, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mini heat wave moving into Snohomish County

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory, warning of temperatures climbing to mid-80s or low 90s Tuesday and Wednesday.

Snohomish County Dahlia Society members Doug Symonds and Alysia Obina on Monday, March 3, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
How to grow for show: 10 tips for prize-winning dahlias

Snohomish County Dahlia Society members share how they tend to their gardens for the best blooms.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

State Attorney General Nick Brown's office posted a release announcing $720 million in nationwide settlements with eight drugmakers that manufactured opioid pills and worsened the nationwide opioid crisis. The state could receive more than $16 million, the release said. (Ryan Berry/Washington State Standard)
Snohomish County to receive portion of latest $16M opioid settlement

While the amount of money is still unknown, funding plans are already in place to help with drug abuse prevention, treatment and education.

District 2 candidates differ in public safety approach

Incumbent Paula Rhyne is facing challenger Ryan Crowther. The third candidate, Jonathan Shapiro, is no longer seeking the seat.

From left to right, Edmonds City Council Position 3 candidates Joseph Ademofe, Alex Newman and Erika Barnett.
Amid budget crisis, Edmonds City Council candidates talk revenue, affordability

Three newcomers are facing off for Position 3 on the council, currently held by council President Neil Tibbott.

Everett
Everett approves new fines for non-emergency lifts

The fire department will only issue fines for non-emergency lift assists at licensed care facilities, not for individuals at home calling 911.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.