Catalina Ferryboat Strike Enters Its Third Week; No New Talks Scheduled
A strike against Catalina Cruises Co., which runs the major ferryboat service between the mainland and Santa Catalina Island, has entered its third week with no major issues resolved and no new talks scheduled.
The two sides failed to make any progress during a six-hour negotiating session Friday. Sam Sacco, a spokesman for the cruise line, said the negotiations are at a standstill.
About 100 crewmen and officers affiliated with the Inland Boatmen’s Union walked off their jobs on Aug. 1 after the company asked union members to accept a 15% wage cut and a reduction in overtime pay. The cruise line cited losses due to higher operating costs and competition. The union countered with a demand for a wage freeze, claiming that the cuts were unnecessary.
Catalina Cruises provides daily ferry service between the mainland and the island. Sacco said that all five of the company’s 145-foot, 700-passenger boats are operating. Service has been running strictly out of Long Beach, but Sacco said the company’s San Pedro facility will be reopened today.
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