Strike threatened: Ferry workers vote on Governor Dunleavy's contract proposal

JUNEAU – Hundreds of public ferry workers who operate Alaska's vital Marine Highway conducted a vote this week – and decided by a margin of 86% to reject the package of harsh measures proposed by Governor Dunleavy's administration, that included the following:

1. Cancelling 28 negotiated settlements reached during almost three years of contract bargaining.

2. No wage increases in over 5 years.

3. A one year contract instead of the normal and more efficient three year contracts.

4. The use of expensive and wasteful mandatory overtime instead of hiring more workers.

5. Poor treatment by manageme...