News / Union calls off ferry strike
A PLANNED strike by workers on inter-island ferries in Shetland on Wednesday has been called off.
Shetland Islands Council said it had been informed by local representatives from Unite that the planned industrial action would now not take place.
Ferries had been expected to be out of action every Wednesday from 6am to 9am commencing this week.
Regional organiser with Unite, John Taylor, said the union had called off industrial action over the festive period as “a sign of good will”.
“This afternoon we have agreed that we would meet on 6 January for further talks to try to resolve the situation with Acas, and as a sign of good will our members have called off the industrial action,” he said.
The meeting between the trade union, council representatives and the mediation service Acas will take place in Aberdeen.
The dispute between the two sides is over job evaluation and associated wages after salary grades of mates on the ferries had been reassessed during the council’s single status negotiations.
Maggie Sandison, the council’s director for infrastructure services said she was pleased that lifeline inter-islands services would not now be disrupted.
“We are keen to continue to work positively with our workforce, Unite and Acas to find a solution that will prevent the possibility of future disruption,” she added.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
