At WA Ferries, vaccine mandate looms amidst 'unprecedented' worker shortages

Governor Jay Inslee’s announcement of mandatory Covid vaccinations for state workers on Aug. 9 kicked off a turbulent week at Washington State Ferries.

By the end of last week, the agency experienced a severe staffing shortage, and the state transportation secretary issued a reminder for employees to remain civil with one another.

In an Aug. 13 notice, Washington State Ferries Chief of Staff Nicole McIntosh said, “We had an unprecedented 91 relief requests yesterday. 91.” She thanked the crew members who helped cover for their absent colleagues.

In response to the shortage, the agency cancelled sailings on Saturday and Sunday morning, and went from two ferries on the Edmonds-Kingston and Clinton-Mukilteo routes to one. Washington State Ferries spokesperson Ian Sterling said, “We were able to essentially steal people from the vessel that was parked in order to at least keep one vessel moving.”