Steam Packet workers to take action before New Year's Eve

Steam Packet workers have voted to take action 'short of strike' before New Year's Eve.

The 'continuous action short of strike' will begin at 6pm on 27 December 2023.

Nautilus International – which represents officers working for the company - says it's 'shameful' the Manx public 'will now pay the price for management's stubbornness'.

It means ships officers employed by Steam Packet delivering lifeline ferry services to the Isle of Man 'will not work any over time, nor ‘work up’ to cover senior roles onboard'.

The union said they 'will work in full compliance with all safety guidelines and policies ensuring the safety of people, the safety of the vessel, and the safety of the environment at all times'. 

Yesterday (18 December), Nautilus announced 81 percent of those balloted voted to take industrial action. There was a 77 per cent turnout.

Nautilus Senior National Secretary Garry Elliot said: “Steam Packet could have avoided disruption by withdrawing their threat of fire and rehire and committing to meaningful negotiations or independent collective arbitration. 

“They have consistently refused these reasonable measures to find a solution.  

“Our members at Steam Packet do not want to take industrial action, but when the company have undermined the long-held collective bargaining agreement and threatened our members jobs, they are left with no choice. 

“It is shameful that the Manx public will now pay the price for management’s stubbornness.  

“We remain willing to find an amicable solution to avoid disruption but only if the threat of fire and rehire is rescinded and existing contracts of employment are honoured.” 

Manx Radio is due to speak to the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company this afternoon.