Golden Gate Ferry Workers Strike Over Contract, Shutting Down Service Between Marin & SF
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- A one-day strike by Golden Gate Transit ferry captains was affecting both ferry and bus commuter service between Marin County and San Francisco Friday.
The one day strike is expected to affect thousands of people who ride the ferries and roadways as these commuters try to navigate an alternate way to work and the Giants game Friday night.
Aside from all Golden Gate Ferry service being canceled Friday, Golden Gate Transit cancelled some bus service Friday afternoon on Routes 2, 4, 24, 54, 56, 74, and 91.
Commuters were urged to visit www.goldengate.org for the detailed list of cancelled trips and alternate options. Ferry service was set to resume Friday morning.
Earlier, staffers tried to warn commuters by leaving flyers on the seats of ferry boats advising that the Larkspur, Sausalito and San Francisco terminals will not be operating Friday from 4:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. Golden Gate Transit buses will be available.
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Union leaders announced the walkout Thursday after failing to reach agreement on a new contract with the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District.
The union says the bridge district is not negotiating in good faith.
"The ferry captains take their jobs very seriously," said Golden Gate Labor Coalition Alex Tonisson. "They have the safety of all the passengers on board in mind, but they also have the livelihoods for their family to think about to."
Golden Gate Bridge District spokeswoman Priya David Clemens said they would like to give everyone want they want, but "we have to strike a balance between our rate payers and employees - -the people who are paying fares everyday. We need to be wise stewards of the money that's given to us."
The latest offer from the Bridge District to the ferry operators includes a 9 percent raise over three years, but it forces the captains to pay more money for their health insurance.
This does affect the ferries that run between Oakland, Alameda, San Francisco and Vallejo.
These captains make on average $83,000 a year -- more than captains on other ferry districts. Deckhands who are also striking earn on average $60,000 a year.
About 450 employees representing 13 unions have been working without a contract since July.
Golden Gate ferries transport up to 9,000 people on weekdays. They also provide service to San Francisco Giants games.
