Business / Port authority responds to union announcement
LERWICK Port Authority (LPA) has expressed its disappointment after trade union Unite claimed earlier today (Monday) that long-running negotiations over pay, terms and conditions had broken down.
The union, representing a dozen port workers, announced a continuous overtime ban from 25 May.
The union’s move comes ahead of negotiations pencilled in for later this week.
Unite said their members at Lerwick Port Authority have been “significantly underpaid” for many years and are demanding the same rate other ports pay for the job.
However, the union also acknowledged that good progress had been made in these negotiations and that both parties were close to signing a deal.
Responding to Unite’s call for an overtime ban, the LPA’s chief executive Captain Calum Grains expressed some irritation with union tactics.
“It is very disappointing that, at this stage in the talks, Unite has called for a ban on voluntary overtime from 25 May, particularly since we continue to pursue constructive discussions with staff,” he said.
“We are working with them to find a solution.
“If action is taken, we will do our utmost to minimise disruption to port operations and our many users, including the community.”
Earlier today, Unite’s industrial officer John Clark, said: “The overtime ban will have a severe impact on the port’s operations because they rely on our members working extra hours to ensure no disruptions or delays.
“We warned weeks ago that unless there is progress in talks then we would re-start industrial action. The blames lies exclusively with the port authority who continue to pay well below the current national agreements which are set by industry-wide bodies.”
‘Breakdown in negotiations’ in port authority pay dispute, union says
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.
