Ferry strike threat

Prospects of a ferry strike on Western Isles lifeline sea routes have deepened after acrimonious relations deteriorated further between seafarers’ union RMT and ferry operator Caledonian Macbrayne.

The RMT accused Cal Mac of deploying “inflammatory” tactics, saying the Scottish Government-owned company’s consultation over workers’ pension cuts was an “unacceptable sham.”

Crews are currently voting on whether to strike and work-to-rule in response to proposed cuts to their income, pensions and job security.

War of words over ferry strike threat row

23 May 2015

Cal Mac slammed the RMT for failing to appear at consultation talks on Thursday over pension changes affecting ferry crews.

A spokesman for David MacBrayne said: “We are disappointed that the RMT have chosen not to participate in a consultation meeting regarding our proposed pensions reforms.

“Virtually every employee in David MacBrayne Ltd and Caledonian Asset Management Ltd (CMAL) will be potentially affected we would urge the RMT to meet with us to discuss the proposals affecting their members.”

"We will be speaking to them again early next week to try to find a way in which we can work together in the best interests of all of our employees."

RMT Scottish organiser, Gordon Martin, hit back, alleging Cal Mac is “treating the trade unions with disdain and contempt - which will not be tolerated.”

Gordon Martin said none of the four trade unions recognised by Cal Mac - the RMT, Nautilus (officers union), TSSA and Unite - attended the “sham” meeting because non union representatives - not covered by collective bargaining - were invited and present.

Mr Martin added: “We do not sit down with people not covered by collective bargaining” as they would win advantage by the union’s negotiating expertise.

Cal Mac attitude is “unacceptable” particularly as the shipping operator was told of the unions’ reason for declining to be present some three weeks ago.

Mr Martin highlighted he will raise the issue at a meeting with Keith Brown the cabinet secretary for infrastructure whose remit covers ferry services.

He stressed the trade unions will make their views “absolutely clear” to the Scottish Government that “we will not tolerate being treated with contempt by the publicly owned Caledonian Macbrayne.”

Cal Mac said it had to “safeguard the pension fund by ensuring it is affordable and sustainable for years to come, while also offering value to the Scottish taxpayer.”

It hoped to resolve the issues in a “consensual and common-sense manner.”