Labor dispute may halt Alaska catamaran ferry

JUNEAU, Alaska — The state of Alaska yesterday sought forced mediation in its negotiations with three maritime labor unions on the Fairweather, a fast ferry that officials say they might take out of service Jan. 25 if no agreement is reached.

In a letter, Art Chance, the state's director of labor relations, said negotiations were at an impasse and asked the Alaska Labor Relations Agency to order mediation with the three unions: the Inland Boatmen's Union (IBU), the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association and the International Order of Masters, Mates & Pilots.

The Inland Boatmen's Union had asked for mediation last week, labor executives said.

"We have no interest in shutting down the service," said David Freiboth, national president of the IBU in Seattle. "That doesn't do anyone any good — our members or the citizens of the state."

No one at the Marine Engineers or Masters, Mates & Pilots headquarters on the East Coast could immediately be reached for comment.

The agreement negotiated last spring was for a period of intense training and the early operations of the Juneau-based Fairweather, which began service last spring, Chance said. It is not economical to run two full crews and seven days a week during the winter, Chance said in the letter.

The state would like to reduce operations from seven days a week to four during the winter, which would require laying off the vessel's second 15-member crew.

"If the state is unable to move to the reduced schedule, it is our intention to cease operation of the Fairweather on January 25, 2005," said Transportation Commissioner Mike Barton.

"Tying up the vessel will result in the layoff of virtually the entire specially trained crew, a result we would sincerely hope to avoid."

The regional director of the Inland Boatmen's Union said he was surprised the state had taken such a position without letting labor representatives know first.

"Impasse is a very strong word," said Darryl Tseu, IBU's Alaska director.

The union had asked for a meeting with a federal mediator from Seattle, but there was a conflict with available dates in January for all four parties involved, he said.

Tseu said negotiations had been frustrating because the state kept changing its mind on how to proceed. When it seemed like progress was being made, the state would go another direction, he said.

"It should not come as any surprise that we are at an impasse," said John Torgerson, special assistant to Barton and a member of the state's negotiating team.

"We have been trying to negotiate a contract based on three very expensive labor agreements. The maritime unions' generous leave accruals allow many employees to work less than one-half a year, yet get paid for the entire year. Their benefits are legendary. Yet, their negotiators expect the people of Alaska to pay even more for them to work on board our newest ferry."

The catamaran-style Fairweather, which can carry 250 passengers and 35 vehicles, made its maiden voyage in June. The Fairweather's route includes Juneau, Haines, Skagway and Sitka.

It's had some difficulties in its inaugural year. Last month, a wave driven by powerful storm winds did minor damage to the cowling between the two hulls of the vessel.

In September, one of the vessel's four engines failed because of a manufacturing problem. The engine was repaired in October. Later in September, the Fairweather sustained damage when it ran into the stern lines of a cruise ship and a mooring dolphin near Skagway.

The Fairweather is scheduled for three weeks of maintenance in drydock in February in Ketchikan, but that work could be postponed without a labor agreement, Torgerson said.

A second fast ferry, the Chenega, is scheduled to begin service in south-central Alaska this year.