Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne has confirmed that discussions held in Glasgow today (Thursday March 17, 2005) between the company and the RMT union have reached the stage where the RMT will be recommending to their full Port Committee and the Union’s Executive, that the proposed strike action involving RMT members on Hebridean and Clyde services scheduled for Wednesday 23 March be suspended to allow further dialogue to take place.

CalMac Managing Director Lawrie Sinclair said:  “The meeting was very constructive and I am pleased that the RMT members are now going to have the opportunity to consider further the issues which have been discussed today. We look forward to hearing from the Union as soon as possible with a positive outcome.”

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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.