Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne will meet RMT union representatives again on Monday to continue the wage negotiations which took place in Glasgow today (Friday, August 1) and adjourned after four and a half hours.

The talks, which took place at the RMT’s Glasgow offices, were described by the company as “constructive and amicable”.

Caledonian MacBrayne Director of Human Resources Alasdair MacInnes, who led the talks for the company, said: “There are a number of issues raised in the discussions today which will require further consideration. I will now be addressing these points as a matter of urgency and I have asked the union to continue the meeting on Monday. Until then, it would not be right to comment on the arrangements which were being discussed. Caledonian MacBrayne believes that the company has made a fair and reasonable offer in the circumstances and will pursue every opportunity to avoid the need for a ballot and threat of action. We will obviously keep all our regular channels with the union open in the interim.”

The RMT union has advised CalMac that they will ballot members on industrial action and the result is expected on August 21. Strike action is even then by no means automatic and the company hopes that the issues which remain unresolved will be successfully concluded by then.

Mr MacInnes added: “We will keep our customers informed of progress. Caledonian MacBrayne has no wish to see strike action and sincerely hopes that this will be avoided. We will do everything we can to achieve a successful outcome for all concerned.”