Picketers Shut Down Larkspur Ferry

Golden Gate Transit ferry service was halted Saturday after ferry workers went on strike but will resume Sunday in time for the Golden Gate Bridge's 75th anniversary celebrations.

Members of the Inlandboatmen's Union picketed Saturday at the Larkspur ferry terminal in response to contract concerns, prompting Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District officials to cancel ferry service for the day, according to district spokeswoman Mary Currie.

Nearly 30 picketers carried signs in front of the Larkspur Landing Ferry Terminal parking lot and shouted, "What do we want?" "Contract!" When do we want it?" Now!"

Currie said that the district board on May 11 ratified a contract reached with a coalition of district unions, and that the 24 bargaining units are currently in the process of ratifying the agreement themselves.

"The ferry workers have some additional concerns, so they're showing their concerns by picketing," Currie said.

Currie indicated that the ferries operate on a light schedule on weekends, and district buses have sufficient capacity to carry any additional transit riders.

On Sunday, however, a large number of passengers are expected for the bridge's anniversary events, which extend from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and the district plans to run additional ferries from Larkspur.

Currie confirmed shortly before 5 p.m. Saturday that service will resume on Sunday and the planned extra ferry service will not be affected by the strike.

A call to the Inlandboatmen's Union Regional Director Marina Secchitano was not returned.

— Derek Wilson and Bay City News contributed to this report