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Seafarers’ union RMT failed to turn up to consultation talks  on Thursday over pension cuts affecting Cal Mac ferry crews.

 

Both sides are embroiled in a strike threat over proposed cuts to workers’ pay and conditions.

 

Seagoing crews fear their wages and pensions will be squeezed for Cal Mac to lodge a tighter priced tender for a forthcoming competitive tender for the west coast ferry network.

 

Even a handful of ratings going on strike could stop an undermanned ferry from sailing.

 

Ferry union fails to turn up for pension cut talks

21 May 2015

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

 

Cal Mac said non union staff representatives were present at today’s discussions but there was no-one from the RMT.

 

A spokesman for David MacBrayne said: “We are disappointed that the RMT have chosen not to participate in a consultation meeting today 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."

 

The shipping operator said it had to make its “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.”

 

No-one from the RMT was available to comment on the talks.

Earlier this week the RMT condemned Cal Mac’s reforms insisting the ferry operator failed to provide satisfactory reassurances over job security as well as conditions of service and pensions.

 

The RMT said a proposed rise in pension contributions will drastically cut crew members’ take home pay.

 

Staff risk having to work up to an extra three years for a reduced pension, said the RMT.

 

RMT boss Mick Cash told seafarers: “A strong mandate in favour of taking industrial action will send a clear message to Cal Mac that you are prepared to fight to win the assurances outlined and will not allow these attacks on your jobs and pensions.”

 

Dominating the scene is the prospect of a private shipping company taking over the west coast ferry routes under a £1 billion eight year contract.

 

Serco - which already won the Northern Isles sea routes’ tender - wants to wrestle the Hebridean and west coast ferry network from Cal Mac Ferries.

 

The ships will still be owned by the Scottish Government and leased to the winning bidder from next year.