Travellers have been offered a glimmer of hope after “constructive talks” to avert strike action on west coast ferries next week.
However, a planned walkout by ferry staff next Friday on CalMac’s Clyde and Hebrides services is currently still scheduled to go ahead.
Bosses at the ferry operator met with representatives of the Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMT) and the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) yesterday.
Unions members are planning to stage a 24-hour walkout on Friday, June 26, with a ban on overtime for the preceding two days.
The action comes amid a bitter row over pay, pensions and conditions, as well as concern about a rival bid from private operator Serco to takeover the routes from public-owned CalMac.
Following yesterday’s talks, a spokesman for CalMac said: “Constructive talks have taken place today between CalMac management and representatives of the RMT and TSSA unions.
“A further meeting is planned for Monday, June 22 and talks are ongoing.”
A spokesman for the RMT confirmed that further talks would be held but added that the industrial action remains as planned.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told the Scottish Parliament that infrastructure secretary Keith Brown and transport minister Derek Mackay had met with union officials and provided assurances about pension plans for staff.
Scottish Labour Highlands and Islands MSP Rhoda Grant voiced her concern in the Scottish Parliament.
She said:”The RMT have said that workers feel they are trapped in the crossfire of an unnecessary and damaging tendering battle that leaves jobs, conditions and pensions hanging by a thread, this is bad enough for the workers, but our island communities and island based businesses are also concerned over the future of Clyde and Hebrides ferry services.
“The Scottish Government need to only look at the privatisation of the Northern Isles ferry services, where private provider, Serco, within weeks of taking over the tender slashed jobs and cut crossings.”
Ms Sturgeon said: “I want to say clearly that the services are not being privatised – bidders are required to deliver services to a detailed specification, based on our ferries plan and subject to strict contractual conditions.
“Scottish ministers will retain public control of the ferry services throughout the contract period, regardless of the ownership status of the successful bidder.
“The vessels and ports that are currently in public ownership will remain so.”