WORKERS on Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) ferry services could go on strike after pay talks collapsed, a union has warned.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union is preparing to ballot staff for industrial action after two previous rounds of pay negotiations with the ferry firm.
An “avoidance of disputes” meeting with managing director Robbie Drummond and other trade unions took place yesterday, Afterwards, the RMT said the company had failed to accept its contention that the offer amounts to a pay cut for ferry crews and other workers. In a statement, RMT general secretary Mick Cash described the “derisory pay award” as “a serious kick in the teeth” for staff who worked on ferries serving west coast islands during the coronavirus pandemic.
He said: “Our negotiators have tried over a series of meetings to get a cost of living award for essential lifeline ferry workers. It’s become increasingly apparent that Transport Scotland and the Scottish Government are putting pressure on CalMac to hold a line which will see our members financially disadvantaged. This is not acceptable and we will be balloting members.”
Drummond said: “CalMac has suffered significant and unprecedented financial pressures due to Covid-19 and it is likely that these will continue to have an impact for some time.
“Despite this, we are committed to rewarding staff in recognition of their determination to provide a high quality and safe lifeline service during an extremely difficult period.
“This pay offer is the same as the current rate of inflation and is being made with our staff in mind, providing a fair and generous offer in the current circumstances. This offer ensures the best possible route for us all going forward as we get through the pandemic together.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel