Strike Action for RMT Union.....
Posted: Monday, 14 March 2005 |
Comments
I am very much in two minds about this; I have very good reason to appreciate our existing local Calmac staff and want to support them, but I also feel for fellow islanders who are going to be seriously inconvenienced and, as this is supposed to be the " first " strike, the threat to our tourism and other businesses relying on the ferries.
I may be an old fool, but there is still some sense in the saying "better the devil you know". I greatly fear what will happen if Calmac don't win the tendering. Calmac may not always be great about listening, but how can we really expect a foreign firm to pay the same kind of attention to our needs as Calmac have done?
Incidentally, I know we have an active Ferry Committee, but just how much consultation has there been with islanders - individually or en masse - on these issues?
Sunset from Mull
Has anyone heard which of the routes will be affected by the strike next week?
I-own-A from Isle of Iona
I'm afraid that I think it will be a GOOD thing for Calmac to have competition. Maybe then they wont scr*w the Islanders with ever increasing ferry fares for 'lifeline services'. The cost of getting off the Island with a car is now far beyond our finacial means ,living on an island where work is scarse and low paid. Calmac could well afford to pay their own staff properly AND give some relief to Islanders I am sure....I suspect though that it all comes down to office penpushers and paper shufflers soaking up all the high saleries. That and the pure greed that stalks modern society.
Maybe the competition will give them a kick up the bum!
witchinthewoods from Mull
actually ALL of the Cal-mac Western & Clyde routes, yup it includes Oban-Craignure, Iona and Fishnish ferries.
dudebhoy from mull
I believe these routes will keep running during the strike: Colintraive-Rhubodach, Fionnphort-Iona, Lochaline-Fishnish, Oban- Lismore, Sconser-Raasay, Tarbert/Portavadie/Lochranza, Tayinloan-Gigha and Tobermory-Kilchoan.
pondhead from Mull
Cal Mac dont seem to strike in the winter! It always appears to be targetted to hit the tourism sector - or is this just unhappy coincidence in this case.
Perhaps a couple of smaller fast Catamarans would serve Mull better on the Craignure route. Calmac may be forced to become competetive. Why should they be concerned about the tendering process if they were delivering the best possible service to the islanders.
WeeDobie from Mull
The following routes will NOT be affected-
Ballycastle-Rathlin Island
Colintraive-Rhubodach
Fionnphort-Iona
Lochaline-Fishnish
Oban-Lismore
Sconser-Raasay
Tarbert/Portavadiel/Lochranza
Tayinloan-Gighga
Tobermorey-Kilchoan
All other routes MAY be affected 12noon to midnight Wed 23rd although journeys started before noon will be completed. Updates appearing on Calmac's web site.
If tender from othe company accepted I doubt you will notice any difference because local staff will be taken over by new employer.
Mongrel from The blanket in the porch
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