Union prepares to ballot as CalMac pay talks stall
CalMac union RMT is preparing for an industrial action ballot after crucial pay talks collapsed, with the union pointing the finger at direct interference from the Scottish government which, it says, scuppered potential progress towards a settlement.
Following two previous rounds of pay negotiations with CalMac, Scotland’s biggest ferry union RMT is disappointed last Friday’s Avoidance of Disputes meeting with CalMac managing director Robbie Drummond and other trade unions has once again ended with a failure from the company to accept that the pay offer, in effect, amounts to a pay cut for lifeline ferry crews and other workers crucial to providing a lifeline to Scotland’s west coast islands.
Last weekend the MV Isle of Lewis had to be deep-cleaned before returning to service on the Oban to Barra route after three crew members tested positive for coronavirus.
RMT regional organiser Gordon Martin said: ‘Our members have worked throughout the Covid-19 pandemic risking their own health and the health and well-being of their loved ones and to now be offered a derisory pay award is a serious kick in the teeth.’
RMT General Secretary Mick Cash added: ‘Our negotiators have tried over a series of meetings to get a cost of living award for essential lifeline ferry workers and despite their best efforts again today, the CalMac managing director has given the same response as his management colleagues have issued from the first meeting on October 7. It’s become increasingly apparent Transport Scotland and the Scottish government are putting pressure on CalMac to hold a line which will see our members financially disadvantaged. This is not acceptable to RMT and we will be balloting our members to secure financial fairness for members and their families in these uncertain times.’
Robbie Drummond, CalMac managing director, said: ‘CalMac has suffered significant and unprecedented financial pressures due to Covid-19 and it is likely these will continue to have an impact for some time.
‘Despite this, we are committed to rewarding staff in recognition of their determination to provide a high quality and safe lifeline service during an extremely difficult period.
‘We are thankful for the support from Transport Scotland under our contract, which has enabled us to protect every job during the pandemic and to provide furloughed employees 100 per cent of their pay. We also took steps to ensure their safety and wellbeing was well protected.
‘This pay offer is the same as the current rate of inflation and is being made with our staff in mind – providing a fair and generous offer in the current circumstances. This offer ensures the best possible route for us all going forward as we get through the pandemic together.’