Mike Barton News

State, IBU Reach Tentative Agreement on Fairweather

Negotiators for the State of Alaska have reached a tentative agreement with the largest of the three maritime unions representing crewmembers of the M/V Fairweather, the state’s fast vehicle ferry. Agreement was reached earlier this week with the Inlandboatmens Union (IBU) on a three-year contract. Contract talks have continued with the IBU after the state declared an impasse in negotiations in December. Terms of the tentative agreement are not being released, but negotiators said the state has entered into a letter of agreement with the IBU that allows winter operations of the Fairweather to continue, provided similar agreements can be reached with two other unions representing ferry workers.

Fast Vehicle Ferry in Early for Lay-up

Ketchikan for lay-up. January 24. said DOT&PF Commissioner Mike Barton. will have to sail for Ketchikan on the 23rd . time to return crewmembers to Juneau by the 25th. unions have not yet been to the table,” Barton said.

Coast Guard Extends LeConte Operating Deadline

The U.S. during the popular Gold Medal basketball tournament. allow any crewmember to work longer than 12 hours in a 24-hour period. The LeConte was previously given until March 31 to comply. attend the Gold Medal basketball tournament in Juneau. ends April 2. effect. manner,” Barton said.