RMT members on Orkney Ferries vote overwhelmingly for action in pay dispute

Shipping union RMT say that members have voted overwhelmingly for industrial action on Orkney Ferries in a dispute over pay.

Members have voted by around 80% for strike action with an even higher number backing action short of a strike. The mandate for action will now be considered by RMT’s executive.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said: “This is an overwhelming vote for action and the employers need to sit up and take note. The staff on these routes will not sit back while their standard to living is undermined by the company and their anger and frustration is made clear in this result.”

Steve Todd, RMT National Secretary said: “Our members have spoken and Orkney Ferries now need to show that they are listening. The result will now be considered by RMT’s executive and we expect the company to start taking this dispute seriously. The ball is firmly in the companies court and RMT remains available for serious talks.”

Giving reaction, a statement from Orkney Islands Council explained that the offer made was for a 1.5% pay increase.

It went on to say: “We have been in discussion with the unions with regards to a pay comparator study, which identified that there is a pay gap for Orkney Ferries pay when compared with average pay for ferry crews across the UK.

“We have has made it clear that we are unable to close that gap until there is a fair ferries settlement from the Scottish Government for Orkney’s internal ferries service.

“The unions are fully aware of this position and we have been working with them to bring the link between fair ferries funding and fair pay to the Scottish Government’s attention.”