Calmac union calls for industrial action ballot after pay talks fail

Ferry crews are to vote on possible strike action following the collapse of wage negotiations at west coast ferry operator Caledonian Macbrayne.

The R a i l , Mari t i me a nd Transport union ( RMT), the biggest at the firm, accused its Scottish Government owners of scuppering progress towards a deal.

It said a meeting with managing director Robbie Drummond and other unions yesterday following two rounds of pay talks had ended in failure.

The RMT said the pay offer amounted to a pay cut which it described as “derisory” and a “serious kick in the teeth”.

T h e Tr a n s p o r t S a l a r i e d St af f s Asso c i at i on ( TSSA) this week also rejected the 0.5 per cent offer, along with fellow Calmac unions Unite and Nautilus.

An al t ernative, t wo- year deal, involving an RPI inflation rate rise in the second year, was also turned down.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “It’s become increasingly apparent that 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.”

M r D r u m m o n d s a i d : “Calmac has s uff ered s i gnificant and unprecedented financial pressures due to Covid- 19.

“Despite this, we are committed to rewarding staff in recognition of their determination to provide a high qualit y and safe lifeline ser vice during an extremely difficult period.”