Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne is extremely disappointed with the outcome of the ballot held by the RMT Union on strike action. The RMT’s 403 members voted 155 to 81 that they would be prepared to take strike action and by 195 to 44 that they would be prepared to take industrial action short of a strike.

A spokesman for CalMac said that in coming to any decisions on what future action they might take, the RMT and their members should consider carefully the implications of strike action. The Company does not believe that strike action is in the best interest of the communities we serve as a lifeline. Nor is it in the best interests of our staff and the Company's long-term future.

Commenting on a news release issued by the RMT which referred to "three week’s silence from the Company" this spokesman added that the Company had met RMT members ten days ago to report back on issues which the Union had raised at previous meetings. The spokesman also said that where the RMT were seeking guarantees it simply was not possible to deliver these in the period prior to tendering.

Far from being silent, the Company has in fact conducted a series of face to face meetings with all ships’ crews within the last fortnight and the Managing Director has on two occasions written to all members of staff offering assurances on terms and conditions which could be delivered by the Company. This included an assurance that there would be no diminution in terms and conditions prior to tendering. The spokesman confirmed that other Unions with which the Company is involved had expressed satisfaction with these assurances.

CalMac now awaits further communication from the RMT as to what it proposes in relation to potential strike action.

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.