THE first strike by Alaska ferry workers in over 40 years has snarled travel plans for thousands of people during the busy tourist and fishing season, leaving some stranded and catching the attention of a Democratic Presidential candidate.

 

 

Members of the Inlandboatmen’s Union of the Pacific went on strike on Wednesday after failing to reach agreement with the State on contract terms, bringing Alaska’s ferry system to a halt. State Transportation Commissioner John MacKinnon said the department had cancelled reservations for more than 3,000 travellers as of early Friday and refunded more than USD 1 million in fares. About 225 passengers and about 90 vehicles had been stranded in ports that aren’t their final destination, he said.