In a letter to staff issued today (Friday, March 4), CalMac Managing Director Lawrie Sinclair advises staff that the consequences of possible industrial action could be of benefit to potential competitors and is already having a significant impact on the company’s business.

Mr Sinclair states in his letter: “Please be assured that CalMac remains committed to our efforts to continue to be the lifeline ferry operator on the Clyde and in the Western Isles, ensuring continuity of services to the communities we serve and continuity of employment for our employees. CalMac has sought clarification on the issues raised by the RMT at our meeting on February 18 and has endeavoured to re-open dialogue with the Union as quickly as possible.  The Company still believes that everything we can do is being done to protect the interests of our employees. As you know, we have already written to all staff assuring them that their terms and conditions will not be diminished in any way as the Company prepares to launch its bid for life line ferry services on the Clyde and in the Hebrides.”

CalMac was disappointed that the RMT did not even give the Company time to consider the demands presented to it at the February 18 meeting before calling for the ballot on industrial action.  The ballot papers were issued on February 25 and the ballot is due to conclude on Monday, March 14.

In the meantime, CalMac has reviewed and researched the requests made of the company at the meeting and the guarantees sought by the union. The company has also held a further meeting with RMT local representatives and their full-time official to continue dialogue and to explore various avenues.

The Minister for Transport also confirmed on February 18 that the Gourock/Dunoon issue will not be taken any further, and no CalMac routes will be tendered until the position with the EU has been resolved and he has had the opportunity to report back to Parliament following the vote on December 8.

The company is encouraged that the TSSA union and NUMAST have indicated that they are satisfied with assurances received from CalMac with respect to terms and conditions and that they are going to await the outcome of the Minister’s deliberations before deciding on any further course of action.

Mr Sinclair’s letter concludes: “I will, along with my fellow Directors, take every opportunity we can to maintain dialogue with the relevant unions and their representatives. We will ensure that we address all employees’ concerns and should you have any issue you would wish to seek clarification on, please do not hesitate to contact me or one of my colleagues.”

ends

For further information on the contents of this News Release, please contact Hugh Dan MacLennan, Head of Communication and Customer Care, Caledonian MacBrayne.   Tel: 0776 435 4021; e-mail hugh.maclennan@calmac.co.uk.

Issued: Friday 4 March 2005 : 1600