Threats of fire and rehire mean industrial action is 'increasingly likely' says Nautilus 

Union slams 'bullying tactics' in relation to changes to contracts

Disruption to Steam Packet services as a result of industrial action is ‘increasingly likely’. 

That’s the message from Nautilus International which claims some staff have been threatened with ‘fire and rehire’ today (11 December).  

The union says ships officers have been told they need to accept what it’s described as ‘fundamental changes’ to their terms and conditions by 22 December. 

Those changes relate to live on board arrangements which the company wants to bring – you can find out more HERE. 

Head of Governance and Compliance Garry Elliot said: “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 is currently undertaking a ballot for industrial action which is open until 18 December and says it will be seeking a meeting with the treasury minister. 

The union claims a letter has been handed to crew, from Steam Packet Company Managing Director Brian Thomson, which reads: “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.”

Manx Radio has invited the Steam Packet Company to respond.