Community / Coastguard union members walk out for third time this year
MEMBERS of the Public and Commercial Services Union employed at Shetland Coastguard will participate in Friday’s national walkout, as part of a long-running dispute over pay.
It is the third time this year local PCS members are taking part in the industrial action.
PCS workplace representative Mike Smith said the UK Government had not improved its two per cent pay rise for 2022 and without any negotiation only offered the union five per cent across the board for 2023.
With inflation rates above 10 per cent these pay rise offers are regarded as inadequate.
The union is seeking a 10 per cent pay rise for all members in line with the current inflation rate.
Smith said: “Shetland Coastguard PCS members cannot afford to live on under inflation pay rises.
“We have taken part in strike action on 1 February and 15 March this year and will not back down now: as the cost-of-living crisis continues, reluctantly we have no option but to strike again from 07.30am on Friday 28 April for 24 hours.”
Meanwhile around 30 Unite members working for the Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) have voted to take industrial action over pay.
The board maintains Scotland’s lighthouses – including a number in Shetland. Its costs are met by the UK Government’s General Lighthouse Fund.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite’s members at the NLB have emphatically supported taking historic strike action. There has been a failure on the part of the UK Government to resolve this dispute.
“The NLB is in effect being forced to offer a pitiful two per cent, when other public sector workers have been offered significantly more. The workers deserve far better, and we will support our NLB members all the way in their fight for better jobs, pay and conditions.”
Unite has warned that a strike would compromise safety at sea.
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.
