Union accuses ferry firm of using bullying tactics in dispute

A union has accused the Isle of Man Steam Packet of "bullying tactics" in a row over employment conditions.

A ballot by Nautilus over strike action is due to close next week in a dispute about the potential for members who reject the new terms being dismissed.

The union said the firm had written to members urging them to accept the live on board arrangements.

But managing director Brian Thomson said the letter had not indicated any change in the ferry firm's stance.

Of the 70 officers who work for the firm, including engineers and captains, 48 are members of the Nautilus union.

The union said plans to impose new contracts in late December amounted to "fire and rehire" and strike action was likely.

However, Mr Thomson said he was surprised at the "aggressive" union statement in response to the firm's latest correspondence.

He said while the government-owned ferry firm would work with individuals who could not live on board and had offered bonuses and extra time off, the union had made "ridiculous" requests and attempted to hold the firm "to ransom".

The operator previously said the changes would mean it could respond more flexibly to travel disruptions and bad weather, which the union said was "misleading".

Garry Elliot from the union said the ferry firm were "using bullying tactics" to "force members into contractual changes that would see them lose over 70 days per year with their families".

He said "the sheer intransigence" of the company had meant industrial action and disruption to services was "increasingly likely".

Mr Thompson said should that happen the ferry firm would "endeavour to do our best to maintain those lifeline services".

About 70% of the firm's sea-going staff who belong to the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers have already accepted the new conditions.

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