Update: WSF galleys close at midnight

Galley food service on the ferries will not be available after midnight tonight, Dec. 31.

Sodexho, the current food concessionaire, has rejected the ferry system’s offer of a two-week extension of service for the purpose of negotiating an interim deal.

Washington State Ferries CEO Mike Thorne expressed his disappointment at Sodexho’s rejection of the proposal.

“My goal all along has been to provide our customers with the food and beverages they want and keep the galley workers employed. I am saddened that will not be the case,” Thorne said.

“It is critical that our food service operation provide the amenities our customers want, provide family-wage jobs and allow the ferry system to cover our expenses which include purchase, maintenance and up-keep of all the galley equipment.”

Thorne pledged that WSF will continue to pursue other options for food service. Letters of intent are due Jan. 9 for the current Request for Proposals for more concession options on the vessels and in the terminals.

The ferry system’s counter-proposal to Sodexho for on-board food service would have allowed the continuation of food service for the majority of ferry customers and the continuation of family-wage jobs for the majority of the galley workers.

The proposal also covered the expenses that the ferry system has to pay under the concession contract such as equipment maintenance and replacement, thus ensuring that taxpayers would not be expected to subsidize food service on the ferries.

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