Transport
Union: Disruption to Vital Supply Chains ‘Likely’
The union has again criticised the Steam Packet for what it says are ‘fire and rehire’ tactics
Nautilus has warned islanders that vital the island’s supply lines face disruption and said the gov must intervene in its ongoing dispute with the Steam Packet.
The union has again criticised the Steam Packet for what it says are ‘fire and rehire’ tactics by the company which is still seeking to enforce live on board conditions for its crew.
In a statement, the union has said that the company has today issued an ultimatum to ships officers, ‘threatening them with fire and rehire if they do not accept fundamental changes to their terms and conditions by December 22’.
Nautilus International head of governance and compliance Garry Elliot said: ‘The Steam Packet Company are, yet again, using bullying tactics to force their will on our members into accepting contractual changes that would see them lose over 70 days per year with their families.
‘Steam Packet have told our members that if they do not agree to these fundamental changes they will be sacked and offered a new contract; this is fire and rehire. Unfortunately, the sheer intransigence of the company, refusing independent arbitration and threatening fire and rehire, means industrial action and disruption to Steam Packet services is increasingly likely.
‘While we respect that Steam Packet is an ‘arms-length’ body and the Isle of Man government does not get involved in operational matters, we are now at a stage where disruption to vital supply chains for the island is likely and government must intervene.
‘The Isle of Man government should also be clear to the Manx public, as ultimate shareholders, that they condemn the use of fire and rehire tactics.’
The union has also shared part of the letter that, it claims, MD Brian Thompson shared with staff, which says: “If agreement to the LOB arrangements cannot be reached, we will need to then consider giving notice to terminate your current employment contract and offer re-engagement on new contracts that incorporate the LOB arrangements as set out in the FAQ.”
Nautilus International is currently undertaking a ballot for industrial action at the company which is open until 18 December and has said it will be seeking a meeting with Treasury Minister Dr Alex Allinson ‘as soon as possible’.
We have contacted the Steam Packet for a response.
