CalMac crews are to start voting on whether to launch strikes in protest over changes to pensions plus fears over job security.
Ballot slips will be issued to RMT union members onboard ships on Wednesday.
The maritime workers’ organisation recommends crews support a strike as well as undertaking other forms of industrial action.
The union said Cal Mac failed to provide satisfactory reassurances over job security, conditions of service, pensions and continuity of lifeline ferry services for remote communities and businesses.
It said a proposed rise in pension contributions will result in crew members take home pay being drastically reduced.
Other pension changes would mean staff potentially having to work up to an an extra three years for a reduced pension.
The union’s general secretary, Mick Cash, said: “These proposals are nothing more than an attack on our members deferred wages.
“Not only do management want to reduce members’ potential retirement benefits, make them work longer, reduce the value of their pension at retirement, they also want them to pay more for the pleasure.”
Cal Mac crews to begin voting on possible ferry strike
19 May 2015