Manx Industrial Relations does not have a 'trained, qualified arbitrator'

MHK Rob Callister asks if Treasury will encourage resolution between Steam Packet and Nautilus via arbitration

The treasury minister hopes ongoing negotiations between the maritime trade union Nautilus and the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company will result in a ‘mutually agreed solution’.

That’s despite talks between the two being described as having reached an ‘impasse’.

The union previously told Manx Radio the company is refusing to engage in a resolution via arbitration.

It's since been revealed the Manx Industrial Relations Service does not have a ‘trained, qualified arbitrator’.

It’s not yet clear if this is the reason behind the company’s alleged refusal to resolve a dispute over working conditions – which would see staff told to remain onboard the Manxman – via arbitration.

Manx Radio has contacted the Steam Packet for clarification who say: "We have nothing further to add to the treasury minister’s answer at this stage."

The Steam Packet believes by making this change to workers conditions of employment will enable ‘greater service reliability and resilience’.

Nautilus maintains it’s been threatened with ‘fire and rehire’ if its members don’t agree to the proposed terms – a claim refuted by IOMSPC.

However Chief Executive Brian Thomson told Manx Radio if workers don’t agree to the new conditions, they would be told there was no longer a place for them at the company.

Union representatives were recently on the Isle of Man to gauge members feelings.

Treasury Minister Dr Alex Allinson says the senior international organiser contacted his department for a meeting ahead of the union's visit, but this was unable to take place as he was off-Island at the time on parliamentary business.