Union claims Steam Packet workers have been threatened with 'fire and rehire'

Nautilus says industrial action is 'increasingly likely'

Steam Packet workers could go on strike after being threatened with ‘fire and rehire’ if they do not accept changes to their working conditions.

That’s the claim from the Nautilus union which has branded the company ‘dishonest’ saying it hasn’t entered into negotiations ‘in good faith’.

Earlier today the Steam Packet said discussions with the union over live-on board arrangements for staff had reached an ‘impasse’.

The company didn’t reveal the nature of the changes to working practices it is proposing but Manx Radio understands it concerns the amount of time staff have to live onboard vessels.

It added it had agreed 'a generous package' of measures in return for the changes.

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However Nautilus says it doesn’t believe the Steam Packet’s actions are those of a ‘responsible employer seeking to resolve a dispute’.

In a statement provided to Manx Radio it says: “The company, over the last two years, has refused to listen to the legitimate concerns of our members about the detrimental impact living aboard will have on their family life.

“The new live onboard requirements Steam Packet seeks to force upon our members will mean a loss of 83 days per year with their loved ones ashore.  

“Further the company’s claim to have offered a generous package of measures is at best disingenuous and at worst misleading.

“Steam Packet offered our members the equivalent to £6.85 extra per day (based on average salary) for each day they live aboard, decreasing every year.

“They also offered a loss of 76 days per year with family rather than 83. This is an insult and far from a “generous package.” 

Nautilus adds that due to a lack of progress throughout negotiations it requested independent arbitration where both parties would agree to support the outcome.

It claims the Steam Packet Company refused this request.

The union adds: “Nautilus has consistently made clear to the company that our members are not against live aboard; they are simply asking that these changes are phased in and existing contracts are honoured.  

“Nautilus International has tried, at length, to avoid entering an industrial dispute on behalf of members that could cause disruption to the Island’s ferry services, however the company’s intransigence means this is increasingly likely. 

“We stand ready to consider a genuine offer from Isle of Man Steam Packet Company but threatening our members with fire and rehire is not the basis for good faith negotiations.”

Manx Radio has invited the Steam Packet Company to reply.