'Industrial action is an option' says maritime trade union 

The Steam Packet has said it will not agree to ‘preferential treatment’ for members of staff

The Steam Packet says it will not agree to ‘preferential treatment’ for members of staff represented by a union which has floated industrial action over live onboard arrangements.

Nautilus claims its members have been threatened with ‘fire and rehire’ if they do not accept changes to their working conditions.

It’s led to what’s been described as an ‘impasse’ between the two sides.

The Steam Packet says there is a choice for staff to work one week or two week rotations.  

This is something Nautilus claims will mean staff will ‘lose 83 days per year with their loved ones ashore’.

The union has branded the Steam Packet ‘dishonest’ saying it hasn’t entered into negotiations ‘in good faith’ and has refused independent arbitration.

Garry Elliot is the senior national organiser – he told Manx Radio's Christian Jones industrial action is an option and members will be balloted on it:

In response the Steam Packet has said it will not agree to ‘preferential treatment’ for members of staff represented by a union which has floated industrial action over live onboard arrangements.

Nautilus claims its members have been threatened with ‘fire and rehire’ if they do not accept changes to their working conditions.

You can find the full statement HERE.

Meanwhile Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Tim Glover told Manx Radio the dispute between the organisation and the union is damaging the Island’s reputation.

He adds the conflict reminds him of the controversy caused when P&O sacked a number of crew last year: