Marine / ‘Breakdown in negotiations’ in port authority pay dispute, union says
A CONTINUOUS overtime ban is set to kick in at Lerwick Port Authority next week after a “breakdown in negotiations” over pay, terms and conditions.
Around a dozen workers who are members of the Unite union will be involved in the industrial action, which is kicking off from 12.01am on 25 May.
The union said with significant hours of overtime required to ensure the “effective running of operations at the port, the overtime ban will have a ‘severe impact’ on the cruise liners and oil and gas vessels, as well as the general shipping, that use the harbour”.
Unite members are demanding that they are paid the same rate as that paid at other UK ports and are “challenging a number of detrimental changes to basic pay, overtime, standby and call-out payments, and pension contributions”.
The union said the changes will “further cut the incomes for workers who already derive 40p in every pound of their pay from overtime payments”.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham added: “Unite’s members at Lerwick Port Authority are simply demanding that they are paid the rate for the job.
“This is a multi-million pound business so it has no business paying Lerwick workers less than port workers get around the UK. Unite is challenging this all the way and our members have the full backing of their union in the fight to secure better jobs, pay and conditions.”
John Clark, Unite industrial officer, added: “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.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Port chief executive Captain Calum Grains said in February: “All agree, the department staff’s terms and conditions need to be streamlined.
“We have made what we believe is a fair and constructive proposal, including bringing their terms and conditions in line with salaried employees, as requested.
“We continue to make every effort to address the issues raised and avoid dispute through the ongoing process of meaningful negotiations.”
Lerwick Port Authority has been contacted for comment and is expected to respond shortly.
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 630 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.