Packet and Union Dig in

The Steam Packet says a return to live on-board arrangements for crews is needed to ensure the company can provide the best service to the island.

It is locked in a battle of wills with members of the Nautilus union over changes to terms and conditions and has given members 30 days to accept the offer or be given their notice.

The arms-length publicly owned company has said that it is fully aware of its duty to the Manx public. However, on social media pages and Manx Forums, support is mixed between the company and the union over the matter.

The issue of terms and conditions arose because of the introduction of Manxman, but the company said it was always the intention to reintroduce live on-board for crews, a practice which only stopped when the Ben-my-Chree and Sea Cat Isle of Man (remember her!) were introduced to the fleet a little over 20 years ago.

A spokesperson said: ‘This was clear from the start in discussions with trade unions representing the company’s officers and crew. The rationale for having crew live on-board is very simple: It reduces avoidable cancellations and improves operational flexibility and resilience.

‘This is acknowledged by Nautilus who say their members have no objections to living on-board. Approximately 70% of the company’s sea-going staff, represented by another union in negotiations under the collective bargaining agreement, have agreed to a change in their terms and conditions and have signed new contracts.’

Cancellations

The reason behind the re-introduction of this is actually quite simple, having to change crews every 12 hours in Douglas makes it more likely that sailings will be cancelled.

The spokesperson said: ‘Manxman has already proven the advantages of having crew live on-board. She operated 2.15am sailings from Heysham on Monday and Thursday this week, thereby ensuring the continued flow of goods to the island despite weather affecting sailings the previous day.

‘The live on-board arrangement allows the ship to reposition and wait out poor weather, without the need to return to port to change crews. In contrast, a ship without a live on-board crew would have had to remain in port, only sailing once conditions allowed safe return to port within the hours of rest window.’

The company says that the union has accepted live on-board arrangements, but issues remain, which the company said it will bring to an end.

Nautilus

For its part, the union has this week accused the company of being ‘dishonest’. which it said is ‘wholly consistent with its approach over the past two years throughout negotiations with our members’.

It added: ‘The company, over the last two years, has refused to listen to the legitimate concerns of our members about the impact living aboard will have on their family life. The new live-on-board requirements Steam Packet seeks to force upon our members will mean a loss of 83 days per year with their loved ones ashore.’