WSF mulls new ferry galley fare
Published 7:00 am Saturday, August 16, 2003
Like restaurateurs the world over, Washington State Ferries wants you to come back and eat again.
To that end, the system is considering a switch from centrally located, single-vendor galley service to an expanded menu – a variety of foods from many local vendors.
The idea has fried local organized labor, as the current smorgasbord of galley-served food is served up by members of the Inlandboatmen’s Union.
Unionized concession workers are under contract with Sodexho, the ferry system’s current concessionaire, until the end of 2005. But Sodexho’s contract with WSF expires Oct. 18.
To raise ferry revenues and better serve riders, the ferry system wants to institute some changes, WSF spokesperson Pat Patterson said.
“We are looking for a new food services contractor,” Patterson said. “We want to try something different, a change. Right now, we provide food in the galley and…it’s pretty institutional.”
Riders seemed to agree when surveyed on the quality of ferry food last fall.
Patterson said respondents expressed the desire for more choices, and fresh foods as well.
She said one of the options under consideration is to add a number of “kiosks” featuring a wider variety of fare.
The proposal is also seen as a new source of revenue for the ailing system. Last year, WSF made approximately $900,000 on its contract with Sodexho, which pays WSF a 10.5 percent commission on its onboard sales.
But the possible switch from a central concessionaire is opposed by galley employees who work under contract with the concession contractor but are members of the Inlandboatmen’s Union.
Worried about the possible loss of jobs that pay between $10 and $14.50 an hour, galley workers rallied last weekend at Pier 52 in Seattle. Ron Sims, the King County politician who recently announced his gubernatorial intentions, and U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee both showed up to offer their support. About 100 people attended.
WSF won’t guarantee that current workers would be retained by any new vendor, saying it would be up to the vendor.
Patterson said no final decision has been made yet about WSF’s next move.
“That’s (executive director) Mike Thornes’ decision,” she said.
“I’m glad I don’t have to make the call,” Patterson said. “It’s a tough decision. But more (food) choices would be more sales.”
Thorne has said he expects to make a final determination setting WSF’s food course sometime next week.
