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Talks aimed at resolving the CalMac ferry dispute have been described as "bitterly disappointing" by a union.

The RMT said progress had been slow on the issue of jobs and working conditions during "difficult" discussions held last week.

And it warned that fresh industrial action cannot be ruled out as a further two days of negotiations get under way.

CalMac said it was disappointed the union had chosen to air its grievances in public while talks were ongoing.

Two-thirds of state-owned CalMac's west coast ferry services were suspended during a 24-hour strike in June as RMT members sought reassurances over the future of the Clyde and Hebrides operations.

A further day of strike action planned for earlier this month was called off to allow for talks over a tendering process that could see routes change hands from CalMac to private firm Serco.

The Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) will also be attending the latest round of talks. Its CalMac members voted for strike action earlier this month.

In a circular to CalMac members, RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: "It is fair to say that the talks so far have been difficult and we are concerned that the emphasis seems to be on what can't and won't be done rather that what can be done to solve this dispute, particularly from CalMac.

"This is bitterly disappointing as your union suspended the industrial action in good faith to allow these talks to take place.

"The RMT has made every effort to secure a series of very basic assurances over no compulsory redundancies, staffing levels, conditions of service and pensions, but to no avail.

"Unless there is more movement from the company in these talks, then further industrial action cannot be ruled out."

CalMac's contract to run the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services comes to an end next year and the Scottish government has put the contract out to tender, in compliance with European Union (EU) law.

Serco, which already runs the NorthLink ferries to Orkney and Shetland, is bidding against CalMac for the contract.

'Common goal'

CalMac managing director Martin Dorchester said: "We are very disappointed that the trade unions have decided to take this stance publicly while talks are ongoing. It is hardly in the spirit of working towards a mutually acceptable conclusion that will avoid further damaging action.

"To be crystal clear CalMac Ferries has not sought to change any existing terms and conditions. Our colleagues have excellent terms and conditions and strong collective bargaining agreements that support them.

"The best way of protecting this is to work with us to win the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Service contract. I would urge all parties to keep talking to resolve our differences so we can work together towards this common goal."

A spokesman for the Scottish government, which has also been involved in the talks, said: "It is disappointing the RMT union feels the need to consider further strike action with two days of discussions still to take place.

"Ministers entered these talks in good faith and will continue with that constructive approach."