‘People feeling like they’re going backwards’: KIRO hosts debate wages, living costs after WA ferry disruptions

Washington State Ferries experienced widespread cancellations and service disruptions after 23 engine room workers called in sick Monday. The absences followed a dispute over raises and cost-of-living adjustments.

The disruption prompted KIRO fill-in hosts Angela Poe Russell and Greg Tomlin to debate wages and household spending during “The John Curley Show” on KIRO Newsradio, with Angela focusing on financial strain and Greg questioning tactics that affect ferry passengers.

“I think some of this pushback by workers in a lot of different areas is a symptom of people feeling like they’re going backwards,” Angela said. “Everything is more expensive, gas, groceries, all the things, and our paychecks aren’t keeping up with it.”

Angela questions reactions to six-figure salaries

The hosts discussed Washington State Ferries’ public statements about compensation. The agency said staff chief engineers have a base salary of $157,000 and can earn more than $350,000 with overtime; those figures do not describe every engine room position.

Angela questioned whether listeners dismiss financial concerns once they hear a large salary figure.

“Once you make a certain amount, I don’t care what real struggles you have, no one is going to feel sorry for you,” Angela said.

She described the effect of wages failing to match rising expenses.

“That’s what happens when your paycheck does not keep up with the cost of living, and so you find yourself going backwards,” Angela said. “And I’m not saying it should be the employer’s fault.”

Greg recalls being denied a raise

Greg discussed decisions he has made about compensation throughout his career.

“There’s been years where I’ve been at a company that has done very well, and I make the same. There’s been times where I’ve worked at a company that hasn’t done so well, and I’ve gotten a raise, and vice versa,” he said. “And I’ve had to deal with not getting a raise for multiple years.”

Greg recalled a boss declining his request and telling him he could leave.

“After sleeping on it and reflecting, I went, that employer is exactly right. I have found myself in a job that’s expendable, and if I don’t like it, I can walk and find another job,” he said. “And it was a harsh truth to learn.”

Greg connected that experience to his criticism of the ferry disruption.

“I have very little patience for people that very publicly, especially on taxpayer dollars, go out and demand higher salaries and say we’re going to hold the taxpayers hostage until we get what we want,” he said.

Hosts weigh spending expectations, financial pressure

Greg questioned whether expectations about spending should be part of the affordability conversation.

“What are our expectations in 2026 relative to history and what we’ve experienced in terms of comfort, luxury, eating out, pleasure, entertainment?” he asked.

Angela returned to the gap between earning a higher salary and feeling financially secure.

“I remember the first time I made six figures, I was like, ‘Wow, I’m still …’” she said.

“Wait, this didn’t have the effect I thought it was going to have on me,” Greg said.

“Yeah, you feel like your life was gonna change,” Angela responded.

Watch the full discussion in the video above.

Listen to “The John Curley Show” weekdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM.

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