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Three-day ferry strike under way Three-day ferry strike under way
(about 1 hour later)
Islanders in Orkney have been facing travel disruption after the first of a series of strikes got under way.Islanders in Orkney have been facing travel disruption after the first of a series of strikes got under way.
The Orkney Ferries industrial action has halted ferry services to six of the outer isles. The Orkney Ferries industrial action - by about 30 workers - has halted ferry services to six of the outer isles.
The three-day strike was called as the first in a number of planned stoppages over coming weeks.The three-day strike was called as the first in a number of planned stoppages over coming weeks.
Members of the RMT union have rejected the local ferry company's offer of a 3.5% pay rise. Talks between both parties ended on Tuesday.Members of the RMT union have rejected the local ferry company's offer of a 3.5% pay rise. Talks between both parties ended on Tuesday.
There was no statement from either side, however three ferries were tied up at Kirkwall pier on Wednesday.There was no statement from either side, however three ferries were tied up at Kirkwall pier on Wednesday.
Could spread
Extra flights have been arranged to carry small amounts of freight to the communities affected, but some islanders have expressed concerns about the potential impact the strike will have on their fragile economies.
The first wave of action is due to last until 2359 on Friday.The first wave of action is due to last until 2359 on Friday.
The action could be set to spread as unions representing crews on other ferry routes throughout Orkney have also rejected pay offers and are currently balloting members on possible industrial action.
Orkney Ferries operates sailings and tours between the Orkney mainland and the smaller islands.Orkney Ferries operates sailings and tours between the Orkney mainland and the smaller islands.