Orkney Ferries Officers Vote for Industrial Action

4th January 2018

Members from the maritime professionals' union Nautilus International have voted by a massive majority in favour of taking industrial action in the latest stage of a long-running pay dispute with Orkney Ferries.

A ballot of members serving with the company showed 21 voting for taking industrial action short of a strike, with just one member against.

Nautilus has informed Orkney Ferries of the result and has indicated its willingness to meet management for further discussions on the issues.

National ferry organiser Micky Smyth commented: "The ballot results are very clear and reflect the long-running frustration of our members about their pay and conditions.

"Independent research conducted in response to those concerns demonstrated that the salaries of our Orkney Ferries members are around 10% below those of other officers carrying out the same duties in comparable ferry companies.

“Our 2017 pay claim - which was submitted whilst we were discussing the results of the study with management - sought an increase over the March RPI inflation rate of 3.2%, as well as a further seven days of annual leave entitlement.

“However, management has failed to move from their position of an offer for a 1.5% increase, which falls far short of our members' aspirations." Mr. Smyth added: “We have attempted to resolve this matter amicably, but to no avail so far. We therefore urge the company to think very seriously about the emphatic results of this ballot and to revert with meaningful proposals to address the concerns of our members."

Orkney Ferries - www.orkneyferries.co.uk/