Steamship Authority Teamsters Demand Fair Contract, Improved Schedules

https://teamster.org/2024/06/steamship-authority-teamsters-demand-fair-contract-improved-schedules/

2024.06.06

As Summer Kicks Off, Ferry Workers Sound the Alarm Over Working Conditions

Press Contact: Matt McQuaid Phone: (202) 624-6877 Email: mmcquaid@teamster.org

(HYANNIS, Mass.) – The following is a statement from Teamsters Local 59 President and Business Representative Jeff Sharp regarding ongoing contract negotiations with the Steamship Authority:

“For months, Local 59 has been engaging with the Steamship Authority to negotiate new collective bargaining agreements for the hundreds of Teamsters working in and on the vessels.

“The primary concern of Steamship Authority workers has been their scheduling. The licensed deck officers—also known as captains and pilots—are required to work 18 hours within a 24-hour period. With often only having six hours off the clock, it has been extremely difficult to attract new hires and maintain current staffing levels.

“Working beyond 18 hours in a 24-hour period poses a serious safety threat to workers and passengers alike. Industry standard for maritime workers is a 12-hour limit during a 24-hour period, but the Coast Guard granted the Steamship Authority an exemption more than two decades ago that allows them to work more hours.

FULL story at link.