LARKSPUR, Calif. (AP) - Hundreds of Golden Gate Ferry workers walked off the job Friday, forcing thousands of commuters to find other ways to travel between Marin County and San Francisco.
The one-day strike shut down service at the Larkspur, Sausalito and San Francisco terminals. Ferry service to Friday’s Giants baseball game at AT&T Park was also canceled.
At the Larkspur terminal, several ferries remained tied to the dock Friday while about two dozen workers picketed outside, drawing honking horns from supportive motorists driving by.
California Highway Patrol officials told the San Francisco Chronicle (https://bit.ly/1CtzilE ) that the strike didn’t appear to affect the morning commute on the Golden Gate Bridge, though the evening commute could be worse.
Golden Gate ferries transport about 7,000 commuters on weekdays.
Golden Gate Transit buses from Marin and Sonoma counties to San Francisco were running, but a dozen bus trips were canceled after 12 drivers called in sick at the last minute, said Priya Clemens, a spokeswoman for the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District.
Union leaders announced the walkout at a news conference Thursday after failing to reach an agreement on a new contract with the transit district. Pay raises and health insurance costs are among the sticking points.
About 450 employees representing 13 unions have been working without a contract since July.
The bridge district says it hopes the unions will return to the bargaining table.
“We have made significant moves and we hope there can be a settlement,” Denis Mulligan, bridge district general manager, told the Marin Independent Journal.
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Information from: San Francisco Chronicle, https://www.sfgate.com
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