ALL sides of the CalMac dispute called for more dialogue, as two thirds of ferry services to the west coast islands were suspended yesterday.
Members of the RMT union entered a 24-hour strike which finished at midnight, in protest at the tendering process which could see control of the ferries change hands from current operators CalMac to Serco.
RMT members make up about half of the firm’s 1,400 employees meaning the strike lead to a heavy reduction of services yesterday, with members set to begin “work to rule” action today.
CalMac’s contract to run the ferries comes to an end next year and the Scottish Government have put the contract out to tender, in line with EU rules.
The RMT worry that no matter who wins the contract there will be changes in employees’ terms and conditions. The union have called on the Scottish Government to guarantee the workers’ terms will not be changed, and that there will be no compulsory redundancies.
General secretary of the RMT, Mick Cash, praised the members on strike yesterday, calling them a “credit to the labour movement”.
Cash said: “Our members on CalMac were rock solid in support of the ballot and have been rock solid in support of the action. They are a credit to the labour movement and the whole union salutes their solidarity and determination.
“At the heart of this dispute lies the fact that safe and reliable lifeline ferry services go hand in hand with a properly respected workforce and with proper staffing levels. That fact needs to be grasped urgently by those calling the shots.”
CalMac director Martin Dorchester responded to the strike by calling on the union to consider the “generous offer” made by the company, adding that he was disappointed the action went ahead.
According to the CalMac boss, they will include a “no compulsory redundancies” guarantee into the contract bid, adding: “What other organisation either in the public or private sector offers such a cast-iron guarantee over job security?”
“The offer is still on the table along with other discussions around terms and conditions, so, I say to them let’s put this harmful action behind us and get back to talks,” Dorchester said.
Scottish Government Minister for Transport and Islands, Derek Mackay, said he understands the worries of the RMT members but all parties have to work together to find a way forward.
Mackay said: “I understand why members of the RMT would not want to be employed by
Serco. I understand their point of view.
“But Scottish ministers cannot prejudice the process and I cannot rule out such an operator for tendering in the process
“I have to conduct this tender process in accordance with
European law but I can assure everyone that we’re working very hard to serve our island communities and look after the interest of the employees as best we can within the law.
“That’s why I would encourage people to keep talking because I’m convinced there is a way forward that can protect everyone in these circumstances,” he said.
Although many of the island residents were affected by the strikes, organisers of Arran’s annual malt and music festival said the strike had not disrupted proceedings.
According to the Isle of Arran Distillers, the shop, cafe and the town in general were all busy as any other day, with the strikes not negatively impacting on the event.
As well as people travelling alternative routes or arriving a day early, smaller boats were running services yesterday, shipping people across the water in almost half the time of the regular ferry.
The Rib Ocean Breeze company were running “taxi services” between Arran and other islands, as well as several points on the mainland.
People were also forced to take longer round trips to board one of the nine services still running yesterday. All 27 of the ferry routes are operational again today, with workers returning to their posts, albeit in a “work to rule” capacity.
The Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association, which accounts for around 100 office staff and managers working for the ferry service, will ballot members about possible industrial action next week.
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