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Talks expected between Caledonian MacBrayne and RMT | Talks expected between Caledonian MacBrayne and RMT |
(about 3 hours later) | |
Caledonian MacBrayne and the RMT union are due to hold talks in an effort to resolve a dispute over job security and pensions. | Caledonian MacBrayne and the RMT union are due to hold talks in an effort to resolve a dispute over job security and pensions. |
Two thirds of state-owned CalMac's ferry services were cancelled on Friday during a 24-hour strike by RMT members. | Two thirds of state-owned CalMac's ferry services were cancelled on Friday during a 24-hour strike by RMT members. |
The dispute centres on concerns that Clyde and Hebrides ferry routes could be taken over by private firm Serco. | The dispute centres on concerns that Clyde and Hebrides ferry routes could be taken over by private firm Serco. |
The RMT wants the Scottish government's new contract to guarantee job security and pensions. | The RMT wants the Scottish government's new contract to guarantee job security and pensions. |
Friday's strike followed two days of union members, who make up about half of CalMac's 1,400 employees, working to rule. | |
Ferry services returned to normal over the weekend. | |
'No other option' | |
Gordon Martin, the RMT's regional organiser, told BBC Radio Scotland that going ahead with last week's industrial action had been a difficult decision for staff. | |
He said: "We were not looking to cause disruption but unfortunately due to management intransigence we had no other option. | |
"Many of our members are islanders themselves so they know the disruption it was going to cause to their friends, family and communities. They didn't enter into it lightly. | |
"I hope and expect following Friday's disruption people will start listening now." | |
A second union representing workers at CalMac will ballot its members later this week on taking strike action. | |
The Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) represents 100 ticket office staff and managers at the ferry operator/. | |
Manuel Cortes, of the TSSA, said there may need to be "short term pain for a long term gain" before the dispute was resolved. | |
What has triggered the dispute? | |
CalMac's contract to run the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services comes to an end next year. | |
The Scottish government has put the contract out to tender, in line with European rules. | |
The RMT union has concerns that, regardless of who wins, the new contract will see changes in employees' current terms and conditions. | |
A reduction in staff numbers and pensions are key areas of concern. | |
The RMT has asked that the government guarantee in the new contract that compulsory redundancies do not happen and existing terms and conditions are continued. | |
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