Alaska Marine Highway System officials say they are working with union officials to determine how contracts apply for some two dozen ferry system workers employed on a ferry slated for long term layup at Ward Cove in Ketchikan.
The workers are currently preparing the Aurora for that long-term layup, but what happens to their jobs next is uncertain, according to Sam Dapcevich, a spokesperson for the ferry system.
For most of the past year, the Aurora’s route had taken the vessel to communities along Prince William Sound and along the northern panhandle of Southeast Alaska.
In November the 43-year-old Aurora, and the 45-year-old LeConte underwent in depth inspections and a decision was made to go forward with repairing the LeConte. Since the extent of repair work exceeded that which was originally budgeted, AMHS said it was decided to not repair both vessels. Costs anticipated and actual costs for both vessels were not provided, nor any details on the hometowns of the union workers
The LeConte is to return to service on May 15 after the steel repairs are completed, while the Aurora will be laid up in Ketchikan.
