One of the longest wage disputes in United States history will soon come to an end, as New York City and Staten Island ferry workers are approaching an agreement for a new union contract. Staten Island ferry employees have not had a union contract with New York City for the past 13 years, and this has resulted in large declines in retention rates and a decreasing ferry workforce. The Staten Island ferry workforce includes ferry captains, boat mates, and engineers, and the entire workforce has dealt with low pay and decreasing company morale. The last time Staten Island workers received a pay increase was in 2010, and ferry captains earn 20% less than other water transportation workers. The low wages have caused many ferry workers to leave and find work elsewhere, and has made it difficult for the ferry to recruit new hires.
See "After 13 years, Staten Island ferry workers and New York City appear to reach a new union contract", Edward Helmore, The Guardian, September 5, 2023