State ferry workers to get back pay

TACOMA – A judge has ordered back pay for about 300 state ferry workers who were not being paid for staff transition time at the beginning and end of their shifts.

The state Department of Transportation is liable for $7 million to $8 million in worker pay under the summary judgment issued Friday by Pierce County Superior Court Judge Rosanne N. Buckner, said Lewis L. “Lynn” Ellsworth, a lawyer for workers covered by the class action.

Because of the judge’s earlier rulings in the case, the decision “was not a total surprise,” said Stewart A. Johnston, assistant state attorney general. He said it probably will be appealed.

The lawsuit focused on the time required for workers such as engineers and oilers to review safety matters with workers who precede and succeed them in their 12-hour shifts. Buckner ordered back pay at overtime rates for 15 minutes at both ends of each shift.

Johnston argued that engine room employees are exempt from overtime laws and that workers in the maritime industry usually are not paid for shift-change duties.