Talks between CalMac, RMT and TSSA postponed

Caledonian MacBrayne and two unions have postponed a meeting that was due to be held in an effort to resolve a dispute over jobs and pensions.

CalMac said it was due to unforeseen circumstances and a new date for the discussions was being sought.

Two thirds of state-owned CalMac's ferry services were cancelled on Friday during a 24-hour strike by RMT members.

The dispute centres on concerns that Clyde and Hebrides ferry routes could be taken over by private firm Serco.

The RMT and Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA), who will ballot its members on strike action this week, want the Scottish government's new contract to guarantee job security and pensions.

Friday's strike followed two days of RMT members, who make up about half of CalMac's 1,400 employees, working to rule.

Ferry services returned to normal over the weekend.

In a statement CalMac said: "Further discussions had been scheduled to take place today between representatives of the company and representatives of the RMT and TSSA unions with a view to resolving the issues currently under dispute.

"Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, it has been necessary to postpone these discussions and we are currently looking to organise a new date and time to allow them to take place.

"Further updates will be issued when appropriate."

The RMT said it hoped the discussions could be held as soon as possible.

Earlier Gordon Martin, the RMT's regional organiser, told BBC Radio Scotland that going ahead with last week's industrial action had been a difficult decision for staff.

He said: "We were not looking to cause disruption but unfortunately due to management intransigence we had no other option.

"Many of our members are islanders themselves so they know the disruption it was going to cause to their friends, family and communities. They didn't enter into it lightly.

"I hope and expect following Friday's disruption people will start listening now."

The Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) represents 100 ticket office staff and managers at the ferry operator.

Manuel Cortes, of the TSSA, said there may need to be "short term pain for a long term gain" before the dispute was resolved.

CalMac's contract to run the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services comes to an end next year.

The Scottish government has put the contract out to tender, in line with European rules.

The RMT union has concerns that, regardless of who wins, the new contract will see changes in employees' current terms and conditions.

A reduction in staff numbers and pensions are key areas of concern.

The RMT has asked that the government guarantee in the new contract that compulsory redundancies do not happen and existing terms and conditions are continued.

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