Ferry union calls for Serco to negotiate
TRANSPORT union RMT has called on the NorthLink ferry operator Serco to return to the negotiating table after overwhelming support for strike action from its members.
The Scottish government has also called for the two sides to get back around the table, after calling Monday’s ballot result “disappointing”.
On Monday the RMT union announced that 90 per cent of the 108 people it had balloted on strike action over the festive period had supported the move, only 13 voting against.
Union members are now discussing what form of action they intend to take and when, stressing their desire to have minimum impact on the Shetland and Orkney communities.
Ferry crews are angry over Serco’s decision to cut 36 jobs from the “hotel staff” on the ferries, even though 32 have already signed up for voluntary redundancy.
Speaking on BBC Radio Shetland, RMT national secretary Steve Todd said there remained a problem about the workload left on the shoulders of remaining staff.
The other bone of contention is the company’s wish to employ a contract cleaning company to do work currently being carried out by seafaring staff.
“Until those issues are resolved we have a dispute situation in hand here,” Todd said.
“We are not doing this lightly, we are taking serious consideration for everybody concerned and the island communities in particular.
“We know the ramifications of an industrial dispute, we haven’t had one since 1988 so we are not going to rush into this one too lightly.”
Todd stressed that the door remained open to the company for discussion at all times and that he was optimistic a solution could be found.
In the northern isles local MSPs Tavish Scott and Liam McArthur have jointly called for the Scottish government to take responsibility for the situation, saying it would be raised in Holyrood this week.
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Scott said: “This is a government funded contract which was renewed this summer, so the terms of the contract are the Scottish government’s responsibility.
“Ministers must stop dragging their feet and now get involved to stop industrial action which would be immensely damaging to local people and the islands’ economy.”
However a government spokesman from Transport Scotland said it was up to the two sides to reach an agreement.
“It is very disappointing that the RMT has voted for strike action particularly while negotiations between the operator, staff and unions are still ongoing,” he said.
“It is rightly a matter for the operator to discuss staffing levels with its employees and the trade unions, and we would urge both parties to find a resolution to this dispute to ensure disruption to passengers is avoided.”
Serco have yet to officially comment on the situation, but chief executive Stuart Garrett said he hoped that dialogue would continue with the union to avoid industrial action.
Serco has previously said it wants to downsize crews during quiet periods and “man up” at peak times and weekends.
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