NorthLink strike averted

A potentially disruption strike on the northern isles lifeline ferry services had been averted after the RMT union said it had settled its dispute with new operator Serco.

The shipping union had threatened industrial action over concerns to changes to pensions, zero hour contracts, flexible staffing levels and potential job losses.

However, following high level talks between the union and Serco NorthLink Ferries’ new managing director Stuart Garrett the union now said that they had received the assurances they were seeking.

The internationally operating company specialised in outsourcing government contracts took over the ferry service to Shetland and Orkney earlier in July.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow said Serco had also recognised that any future changes to existing terms and conditions must and will be subject to negotiation and agreement.

“The latest information on the Serco NorthLink Ferries dispute has now been considered by the union’s executive committee which has agreed that members’ major concerns have been addressed and has noted the commitment that no changes will take place in the future without negotiations.

“As a result of the above, the dispute is now resolved and the ballot for industrial action will be cancelled.

“The successful conclusion of the dispute has demonstrated to all what can be achieved when workers are prepared to stand up and fight against threats and attacks from the employer.”

Serco NorthLink managing director Stuart Garrett said: “We welcome today’s announcement which follows a productive meeting with RMT in Aberdeen last Monday, 23 July.

“We are now looking forward to continued dialogue with our employees and representative organisations.”