Sailings set to resume as AMHS and Inlandboatmens Union reach tentative agreement

The line up should form early on August 6th as AMHS Service is scheduled
to return between Prince Rupert and Ketchikan

After nine days of cancelled sailings so far, the Alaska Marine Highway Service is making ready its vessels for a return to service following a tentative agreement between the Transportation agency and the union representing the workers aboard AMHS vessels.

The Deal was announced in a State of Alaska Media Release this afternoon, which provides a few details on the three year deal, with concessions reportedly made by both sides to bring the dispute to an end.

Governor Michael Dunleavy thanked both parties for their efforts in bringing the nine day strike to an end and allowing the Marine Highway to get back to work.

" I want to thank IBU leadership, Commissioner Tshibaka and her team for their tremendous effort to reach an equitable compromise that treats our hard working employees fairly while recognizing the State's current fiscal situation. Strikes are tough on all sides, so it is especially gratifying to see this one come to an end so we can get the ferries back out on the water serving Alaskans"

Planning by the ferry service is already underway in order to have the vessels begin to cast away their lines and leave their current ports. A process which will come in  a staggered fashion starting on Sunday the 4th, with AMHS listing the departures on their website today.

(Click to enlarge)

According to the AMHS Schedule the first arrival in Prince Rupert comes on August 5th when the Malaspina arrives from Ketchikan, it will have a short four hour turn around with the departure for Alaska set for 3 AM.

The vessel returns on Friday the 9th as it settles into its normal August schedule.

For more items of note related to the Ferry Service to and from the North Coast see our archive page here.