Washington State Ferries Halt 72% of Service After 23 Engineers Call Out Sick
On Monday, October 5, 2026, Washington State Ferries (WSF) suspended 13 of its 18 vessels after 23 engine room employees called in sick and remaining qualified staff refused to cover shifts. The disruption caused massive delays across Puget Sound, with Governor Bob Ferguson demanding full service restoration by Tuesday morning, which was largely achieved. The incident highlights chronic staffing shortages, excessive overtime, and wage disparities between above-deck and below-deck workers, though the union denied coordinating the absence.