diff --git a/rse/plugins/org.eclipse.rse.subsystems.files.core/src/org/eclipse/rse/subsystems/files/core/model/SystemFileTransferModeRegistry.java b/rse/plugins/org.eclipse.rse.subsystems.files.core/src/org/eclipse/rse/subsystems/files/core/model/SystemFileTransferModeRegistry.java
index 2abc7fc554a..90970b89e0e 100644
--- a/rse/plugins/org.eclipse.rse.subsystems.files.core/src/org/eclipse/rse/subsystems/files/core/model/SystemFileTransferModeRegistry.java
+++ b/rse/plugins/org.eclipse.rse.subsystems.files.core/src/org/eclipse/rse/subsystems/files/core/model/SystemFileTransferModeRegistry.java
@@ -115,6 +115,8 @@ public class SystemFileTransferModeRegistry
 		try {
 			wb = PlatformUI.getWorkbench();
 		}
+		// exception occurs if this is initialized before workbench has started
+		// TODO: we need to listen for workbench start to complete, then reinitialize
 		catch (Exception e) {
 			wb = null;
 		}