MSP asks: how long does it take to undertake a pay review?

15th May 2017

A Highlands and Islands MSP is questioning why the Scottish Government is taking so long to settle a long-running dispute over fair pay.



Labour's Rhoda Grant asked Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham what action it was taking in light of Marine Scotland seafarers' recent vote in favour of industrial action over pay.



Ms Cunningham replied that the review was being undertaken as part of current pay negotiations in partnership with the recognised trade unions.



"I know that seafarers are sick and tired of the delay," said Mrs Grant.



"Several contact me on a regular basis and just want the Government to get a move on and settle this. How long does it take officials to make comparisons? For some reason, Marine Scotland and the Government don't want to make a quick decision but this is affecting those who work for the service.



“The Scottish Parliament has backed fair pay for Marine Scotland workers but we still have had no movement. That is completely unacceptable and I sincerely hope that Marine Scotland and the Scottish Government find a resolution to this before seafarers have to resort to industrial action."



Unite the union has already warned that Scotland’s seas could be left wide open to illegal fishing, after members voted 100 per cent in favour of action in April.

Members of Nautilus International have also voted in favour of industrial action if an acceptable solution is not achieved.



Seafarers have discovered they are being paid thousands of pounds less than other workers. A chief steward for Marine Scotland can earn up to £29,579 a year while at CalMac the same post is rewarded with £37,675.



Both Marine Scotland and CalMac are wholly owned by Scottish Ministers. Marine Scotland operates Marine Protection Vessels and research ships to protect the seas and fisheries around the country - leading to them being nicknamed 'Scotland's Navy'.



The Unions say their members do a difficult job, safeguarding our seas on behalf of all of us - and often spending long periods of time away from home and it is completely unfair that they are being paid less than other seafarers in the public sector.



In December last year the Scottish Parliament passed an amendment tabled by Scottish Labour, stating that Marine Scotland staff should receive a fair pay settlement that recognises their experience and skills.



Mrs Grant has been pressing Marine Scotland in person and in writing about fair pay for seafarers and has asked to meet Ms Cunningham before the final decision about the review is announced.



Unite regional officer Alexander Smart said: ““Now is the time for the Scottish Government to act.



“Our politicians spend a lot of time at elections talking about a fair and just Scotland - well Scottish Ministers have the chance to deliver pay fairness for Marine Scotland seafarers right now.



“There is absolutely no justification for this gross unfairness to continue. Our members are losing faith in the Scottish Government – and they’re losing patience too. If there is no action soon, we will have no choice but to move towards a formal ballot for industrial action.”