Ross: Failing to rehire unvaccinated WSF workers more about saving face than lives
Aug 24, 2022, 6:25 AM

(Washington State Ferries)
(Washington State Ferries)
Every time I hear about a ferry trip being canceled due to a crew shortage, I feel sad. Because I know there are crew members who could still be working if only they’d gotten vaccinated two years ago.
And I don’t see why they can’t just be rehired.
Ferry riders aren’t expecting a return to the old schedule. They know ridership is still way down. But to have to cancel runs even on the reduced schedule – for lack of crew – tells me something’s not working. Delays are part of the ferry lifestyle – that’s why you keep a few books in the car – but lately, you need an encyclopedia.
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And while I appreciate the effort to recruit new employees for the future – you need something now.
So, my suggestion would be to send a bouquet of roses to each of the 121 ferry system employees who were separated for lack of a COVID shot and attach a fancy card offering to rehire them.
This might be awkward. Not all will accept. But even if it brings back only ten or 20 – it means fewer runs have to be canceled.
I realize most Democrats won’t like this idea, because Republicans, of course, will say, “told ya so – the vaccine mandates went too far.” But Democrats can simply remind them that they’re the party that’s been claiming you could cut state government by 30% and everything would be fine. Well, the ferry staff cuts were only 10% – and things are clearly not fine.
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So, you’re even.
The vaccine policy may have been necessary in 2019. But now? It looks like it’s more about saving face than solving the problem.
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