News / Ferry crews to strike this month
FIRST minister Alex Salmond has joined calls for ferry operator Serco and transport union RMT to get back to the negotiating table after the union announced a series of strikes over the festive season.
On Thursday RMT announced crews on the Shetland and Orkney ferries would withdraw their labour on three consecutive Fridays from 14 December.
The Shetland to Aberdeen via Kirkwall route will also be affected on the three Sundays from 16 December.
The move follows an overwhelming vote by ferry crews to strike in protest at Serco’s plan to cut 36 jobs and introduce new working conditions.
The union accused Serco of ripping up agreements and walking out of talks, while investing £1 million in refurbishing the vessels.
They say the company has also threatened to run a “scab” service in the event of a dispute.
Serco were unavailable for comment.
In Holyrood, the first minister said he was concerned at developments and called for both sides to get back around the negotiating table.
“We are hoping that all involved will recognise the importance of talks and coming to a satisfactory conclusion to minimise the likelihood of impact on a lifeline service,” he said.
Meanwhile Shetland MSP Tavish Scott and council convener Malcolm Bell called for an immediate settlement and demanded for the Scottish government to step in to avert strike action.
Both politicians met with deputy first minister Nicola Sturgeon in Edinburgh on Thursday afternoon.
Mr Scott said: “Any strike action that affects the North boats’ lifeline service to Shetland must be avoided, it is that simple. Students travelling home to the isles will have their Christmas ruined and many families will be affected.
“This uncertainty is already throwing plans into chaos. At this time of year fish and salmon exports are crucially important to the multi-million pound fishing and aquaculture industries.”
Mr Bell added: “The deputy first minister clearly understood the impact that this action would have on Shetland and agreed to do everything she could to bring about a resolution.
“I am confident we can work together to help avoid this extremely damaging action.”
According to Mr Scott Lerwick’s Tesco supermarket could be 40 per cent of stock should the planned strike action go ahead.
“Shetlanders are having their day-to-day lives disrupted by the behaviour of the Scottish Government, the employer and the union. This is utterly unacceptable,” he said.
Friday and Sunday are busy days on the NorthLink ferries as islanders travel to the mainland for the weekend, especially during the build up to Christmas for shopping.
RMT national secretary Steve Todd said: “This dispute can be resolved by Serco simply playing fair by the staff who generate their profits and the ball is now firmly in their court.
“The public will understand that it is our members jobs today and will be cuts to services and increases to fares tomorrow.”
The dates of action are:
Orkney – Scrabster
• 00:01 hours to 24:00 hours on Friday 14 December 2012.
• 00:01 hours to 24:00 hours on Friday 21 December 2012.
• 00:01 hours to 24:00 hours on Friday 28 December 2012
Shetland – Aberdeen
• 08:00 hours on Friday 14 December 2012 to 08:00 hours on Saturday 15 December 2012.
• 08:00 hours on Friday 21 December 2012 to 08:00 hours on Saturday 22 December 2012.
• 08:00 hours on Friday 28 December 2012 to 08:00 hours on Saturday 29 December 2012
Aberdeen – Orkney – Shetland
• 08:00 hours on Sunday 16 December 2012 to 08:00 hours on Monday 17 December 2012.
• 08:00 hours on Sunday 23 December 2012 to 08:00 hours on Monday 24 December 2012.
• 08:00 hours on Sunday 30 December 2012 to 08:00 hours on Monday 31 December 2012.
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