ANACORTES, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Ferry commuters are in limbo as a massive outage is impacting a majority of sailings.

Washington State Ferries says that 23 of its engine room employees called out sick this morning, and no other workers were available to take their place.

The absences have caused 13 out of the system’s 18 ferries to stay docked for the day.

Sources tell KING5 that the so-called “sick-out” came after engine room workers were denied cost-of-living adjustments and raises.

A survey released by the engine room workers’ union – Marine Engineers Beneficial Association (MEBA) – over the summer found over half of their union members were considering leaving WSF if conditions didn’t improve.

My Bellingham Now previously reported on other crewmembers calling for action after reporting high levels of burnout.

Engineers took their concerns over a widening wage gap to Gov. Ferguson’s attention in June.

In a statement on social media regarding today’s sick-out, the governor says that he’s meeting with WSF leadership to find a solution.

Ferry travelers are strongly encouraged to check WSF’s Travel Alert Bulletins Page before getting in line at a terminal.