Orkney crew vote to strike over pay

Workers have voted to strike over a long-running pay dispute with Orkney Ferries.

Members of maritime union Nautilus International backed industrial action in the latest stage of the battle with the firm, which it says pays around 10 per cent less than comparable ferry companies.

National ferry organiser Micky Smyth said: “We have attempted to resolve this matter amicably but to no avail so far.

“We therefore urge the company to think very seriously about the emphatic results of this ballot and to revert with meaningful proposals to address the concerns of our members.”

A ballot of members serving with the company showed 21 voting for taking industrial action short of a strike with just one member against.

The union said its 2017 pay claim sought an increase over the March RPI inflation rate of 3.2 per cent, as well as a further seven days of annual leave.

Mr Smyth added: “However, management has failed to move from their position of an offer for a 1.5 per cent increase, which falls far short of our members’ aspirations.”