Why don’t ferry workers get to ride for free?

I asked a ferry worker the other day how often she rides the ferry to visit the islands since it is free. She laughed and said ferry workers don’t get to ride for free. It was one of the first things she asked when hired.

There is plenty of room on the ferries so space is not a concern. (Of course cars should still pay) It just seems to me that it would be a good benefit for no cost. And if there were an emergency, there are more people who have already been trained.