The crew shortage story is now more than 15 months old:
June 30, 2020 at 5:43 pm PDT
By Ryan Simms, KIRO 7 News video:
Ferry wait times spike following staff shortages
Today:
Oct 11, 2021 KOMO News
Washington State Ferries near full staffing by end of weekend, but delays still possible
“More than 150 sailings were canceled from the San Juans Islands to the Central Sound Friday in an unprecedent day.”
“WSF said they are experiencing a severe staffing shortage due to an aging workforce, recruiting challenges, while feeling the impact of the global pandemic and now a vaccine mandate for state workers.”
The Puget Sound area includes several military bases. Has the US Navy delayed or canceled sailings because of crewing issues? Any chance that TV newspeople could go and do some interviews and ask these sorts of questions?
I do not speak out against vaccines or anyone who takes them. Ditto for mask wearing indoors or out.
I am OK with the Washington State Ferries workforce protesting COVID mandates.
TV News
Would TV newspeople be willing to interview people from various sides of an issue?
Much of what we get today is sort of a press release style of news reporting where a statement is prepared by whatever agency is involved in the latest policy update, drug bust/federal grant money award, etc.
Newspeople post this statement as is.
A 5th grade book report would require more in the way of asking questions.
Random thoughts and questions newspeople seem to avoid:
Within WSF, what incentives are in place to keep customers happy?
Does the WSF HR Director get paid more to keep the system running smoothly?
Are crew member incentives in place for perfect attendance?
Extra pay, promotions, extra vacation days, earlier retirement?
15 months of poor play would be enough to get an NFL or college football coach fired.
Is there pressure on the WSF HR Director to do better?
Would TV newspeople be willing to interview people from various industries and public agencies on how they have handled the impacts of COVID?
HR policy away from WA government:
UPS aims to hire 100K ahead of ‘record peak holiday season’
Love to see TV newspeople ask: How has the greater maritime industry dealt with COVID crewing challenges? How have various industries and public agencies handled this? Airlines? US Navy? FedEx? UPS? Costco? Local fire dept?
Related:
4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On
Sports Writers and Alternative Media – Still Free To Ask Questions
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Photo-
Keystone Ferry – inbound
Coupeville/Penn Cove is on the eastern shore of Whidbey Island-no ferry link to Port Townsend exists there.
Possibly of interest:
Occasionally Looking for the Coupeville Ferry
Don’t book a bed and breakfast stay in Coupeville and plan to walk from the ferry terminal to your accommodations.
Ferry Traffic Leaving Coupeville Terminal Routed Away From Coupeville