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Local Massachusetts pilots may see an increase in pilot rates if Governor Deval Patrick signs the new law. If Governor Patrick signs the law it will become the first pilot rate hike in more than a decade.
The bill is designed to allow provisions for a Pilot Rate Board to ensure that ports are safe and properly funded to meet future expenses. However, critics of the new law have raised opposition and provided a laundry list of reasons why the new law is a bad idea.
In response, Commonwealth pilots have cited the fact that their compensation scales are far lower than pilots in other parts of the country. They have also maintained that they have one of the best safety records in the industry and have adopted a strict professional standard. Past efforts to increase pilot rate hikes have been blocked by lawmakers until now.
Local pilots report that their business volume has remained steady citing the fact that New England has developed a niche in car export sales. They believe that it makes sense to compensate those who risk the foul weather often experienced in that region and who help maintain one of the states most important economic engines.
The bill was enacted by both houses in Massachusetts and currently sits on Governor Patrick’s desk. If signed by the governor, the law will enact a one-time increase of approximately 11-1/4 percent for Boston pilots.
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