Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne has confirmed that a proposal for settlement has been achieved at a meeting held today (Monday, August 4) with RMT union representatives, continuing the wage negotiations which began in Glasgow on Friday.

The talks, which took place at Glasgow airport, began at 4pm and concluded six hours later.

Caledonian MacBrayne Director of Human Resources Alasdair MacInnes, who led the talks for the company, said: “Throughout these discussions, Caledonian MacBrayne has sought to achieve an outcome which is in the best interests of our customers, our staff and our long-term future. Significant progress was made on several issues when we met on Friday. Over the weekend, the company reviewed its position. Today we confirmed that we were able to offer a total of a consolidated three per cent in the current year, with the increase next year linked to RPI, along with an additional 1.5% in both years, linked to efficiency gains throughout the network.”

The offer to RMT members will now be circulated to them for approval. Caledonian MacBrayne is hopeful that the proposed settlement will be ratified and that the possibility of industrial action will be removed.

Mr. MacInnes added: “Caledonian MacBrayne has made the best possible offer under the public sector pay guidelines. CalMac is part of the public service and we have a duty to achieve a settlement which is in everyone’s interests – our communities first and foremost, who depend on us for lifeline services, our other customers and our staff. We made our offer against a background of having to achieve efficiency gains to reduce the level of deficit grant which we require to secure the future of the company. While we would have preferred a three-year settlement, we are very hopeful that we will now have two years to work together to make further progress.”