Reassurance over coastguard strike

Shetland Coastguard PCS Union members have reassured the public that they will not be taking strike action today.

However, a spokesman for the group said the coastguard service would be taking “action short of a strike” to support their union colleagues.

The spokesman said: “This means that all frontline services for the public will be provided as normal, including distress, urgency and safety duties, but routine and administrative work, in support of our headquarters and the government, will not be undertaken.

“Our members feel that, with the demonstration of support shown by the communities of the Northern Isles during our ongoing campaign t0 Save Shetland Coastguard, to take strike action and leave the Orkney and Shetland Islands without emergency cover, would be irresponsible.

“Our dispute is with the UK Government, over the decimation of our rights and pensions, and not with the public.”