OLYMPIA – Gov. Bob Ferguson signed Substitute House Bill 1264, legislation sponsored by Rep. Jake Fey (D-Tacoma) to ensure Washington State Ferries (WSF) can better compete for the skilled workforce needed to operate the nation’s largest ferry system.
The law requires the Office of Financial Management to work with a nationally recognized firm to conduct more accurate salary surveys for ferry workers—comparing their wages, benefits, and working conditions with similar jobs across the West Coast, Alaska, British Columbia, and other appropriate regions. The results will be used in collective bargaining and interest arbitration.
“Ferry cancellations are too often the result of crew shortages, not mechanical failures,” said Fey, Chair of the House Transportation Committee. “We can’t keep asking workers to do more with less. This bill is about ensuring fair pay so we can recruit and retain the mariners we need to deliver reliable service.”
WSF has faced growing staffing shortages, especially in high-skilled roles like engine room operators, mates, and terminal workers. In recent years, staffing gaps have led to route delays, cancellations, and public frustration.
The new law provides:
- Salary comparisons for WSF roles with truly comparable public and private jobs.
- Requirements for input from ferry worker unions.
- Transparency, with final survey results shared by April 1 of even-numbered years.
Rep. Fey noted that the bill is modeled after similar successful reforms used to address staffing challenges at the Washington State Patrol.
“This is a common-sense step to stabilize and strengthen our ferry system, improve labor fairness, and restore rider confidence,” Fey said.
SHB 1264 passed the Legislature with strong bipartisan support and will take effect 90 days after session adjournment.