Union to ballot for action at Orkney Ferries

The union Nautilus International has advised Orkney Ferries of its intention to conduct an industrial action ballot of members.

The ballot comes after Nautilus, Unite and RMT failed to come to an agreement with Orkney Ferries on the 2012 pay claim. The company claimed that any pay deal could only be agreed if equivalent savings could be made on other staff costs.

In October, the unions went to arbitration service ACAS to hold further talks but were unable to make any progress on a satisfactory settlement.

“We have tried many ways to come to an agreement with Orkney Ferries on an acceptable deal but have failed to make any progress,” said senior national organiser Ronnie Cunningham.

“Our members working for Orkney Ferries work hard for the company and feel that they cannot accept the company’s current stance. We do not take this step towards industrial action lightly and urge Orkney Ferries to continue negotiations so that action can be avoided.”