Council / Sullom Voe tug men vote to go on strike in May
OIL export from Sullom Voe Terminal could be disrupted from the middle of next month after union members working on the harbour tugs voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action.
Following a ballot earlier this month Unite Scotland confirmed on Tuesday that 87 per cent of its members voted to take strike action.
The dispute with employer Shetland Islands Council is over a long service award, which the union says its members are entitled to receive.
The council has previously said that the contracts of the tug men come under a TUPE agreement, reached in 2006 when the tug service was transferred from Shetland Charitable Trust owned Shetland Towage to the SIC.
That agreement stipulates a £250 flat rate as an award for 25 years of service rather than the equivalent of one month’s salary other council workers are being paid.
Unite industrial officer John Boland said: “Unite members have overwhelmingly voted to take strike action to rectify the injustice being done to them.
“Our members in the Shetland Islands Council towage service just want to be treated fairly and the same as any other council employee, and that means they be given the long service award for the same dedication to their jobs.
“We will now prepare to serve strike action notice, but hope that Shetland Island Council will come to their senses and resolve this dispute.”
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.
