Union plans industrial action ballot

Shipping union RMT have announced that it is planning to ballot for industrial action on the Northern Isles Ferries service.

The union claims that Serco, who will take over from NorthLink Ferries, is planning to renege on existing pension commitments to staff who will transfer over.

In response to the claims, Jamie Ross, Business Development Director at Serco, said: “We have had a series of recent meetings with staff and unions and the discussions have been constructive. Over the coming weeks we will continue working with both the unions and employees to discuss a number of issues.”