RMT: 'We have not accepted changes to terms and conditions'

But Steam Packet tells Manx Radio the union's contract has been signed

A union which represents Steam Packet workers says it has not accepted changes to its members terms and conditions.

RMT has responded to a statement from the company which claimed 70 per cent of ‘sea-going staff’ had signed new contracts after negotiations under the collective bargaining agreement.

The union told Manx Radio it’s ‘disappointing that the employer is trying to drag RMT into a pre-existing dispute it has with another union’.

It adds: "We are opposed to any attempt by any employer to engage in ‘fire and rehire’ and encourage proper negotiated settlements to all disputes between employers and unions."

But Steam Packet Managing Director Brian Thomson said that’s at odds with the company’s position:

The union Nautilus, which represents 30 percent of Steam Packet workers, has suggested industrial action may be forthcoming.

It claims its members have been threatened with ‘fire and rehire’ if they do not agree to new live onboard requirements which it says could mean a loss of 83 days a year ashore.  

You can find out more HERE.

Update: 

RMT has since amended its statement saying: 

"RMT has not accepted changes to our terms and conditions relating to the current dispute between Steam Packet and Nautilus.

“It is disappointing that the employer is trying to drag RMT into a pre-existing dispute it has with another union.

"We are opposed to any attempt by any employer to engage in ‘Fire and Rehire’ and encourage proper negotiated settlements to all disputes between employers and unions."

It adds it is not in dispute with the Steam Packet Company over ‘live aboard’ arrangements on the Manxman.