Weather leads to more Manx ferry disruption as work to rule begins

All ferry sailings have been cancelled for 24 hours due to adverse weather conditions in the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has said.

Crossings between Douglas and Lancashire by the Manxman had resumed on Wednesday morning.

However, the evening trip to Heysham and its overnight return, along with Thursday's journey, have been scrapped.

The disruption comes amid the start of industrial action by some staff in a dispute over new contracts.

Under the action, which is in response to the new requirement to live on-board vessels during rest periods, Nautilus members taking part will refuse to do overtime or act up to cover senior roles indefinitely.

The ferry firm previously said the new arrangements would help reduce cancellations.

On Friday, the company put staff who had not signed the contracts on 12 weeks' notice.

A ballot of Nautilus members showed 89% were in favour of taking action short of strike, while 81% backed a walk out.

The union has said its current action would continue until the ferry firm withdrew the threat of "fire and rehire" for those affected and engaged in meaningful negotiations, or agreed to independent arbitration.

Staff have been offered the choice of working one week on followed by one week off, or the same arrangement in two week blocks.

However, staff would not be able to return to their homes during rest periods while on shifts and would be required to live on-board the vessel instead.

The Steam Packet said the changes would increase the resilience in its passenger sailings, as the boat could wait out bad weather or tidal issues outside either Heysham or Douglas ports, leading to fewer cancellations.

But the union argued the new arrangements would see its member lose 76 days with friends and family each year.

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