CalMac Industrial Action Begins
RMT union members begin work to rule ahead of strike on Friday
CalMac crew who belong to the RMT have begun three days of industrial action in a row about the future of Scotland's lifeline ferry services.
There will be two days of work-to-rule today and tomorrow followed by a full strike on Friday.
The union is demanding staff are protected during the process of awarding a new contract for the service with publicly-owned CalMac and private firm Serco selected to sumbit tenders.
Ministers spoke to the RMT yesterday to urge them to call off the action and return to talks.
CalMac currently predicts that the majority of services will run today and tomorrow but it expects disruption on Friday with major vessel routes serving the Western Isles, Mull, Islay, Bute, Arran, Coll and Tiree likely to be severely affected and only supported by smaller vessels in most cases.
CalMac has already started the process of contacting customers and updating its website to highlight the likely disruption on Friday.
CalMac has also been liaising with hauliers, coach operators and local tourist bodies to put the dispute into context and raise awareness of alternative options.
Transport Minister Derek Mackay said: "I have already provided assurances that a fair, affordable and sustainable pension scheme will be protected under the new Clyde & Hebrides ferry services (CHFS) contract.
"EU law requires the Scottish Government to tender ferry services. This was accepted by previous governments when it initiated the first tendering exercise for CHFS, it is therefore regrettable that some are seeking to use the current situation to score political points.
"A record ÂŁ1 billion has already been invested on port infrastructure, vessels and ferry services from 2007 to date, and we are determined to build on this track record. We have made clear our commitment to ensuring the continued delivery of safe and reliable services for ferry users.
"In the interim CalMac and my officials at Transport Scotland have made contact with bus, rail and aviation operators to see what additional services can be provided during this week's industrial action and we stand ready to support the islands during this testing time.''
CalMac Managing director Martin Dorchester said: We are disappointed that our dialogue with the RMT to avert industrial action this week has broken down but we now have in place plans to protect the vast majority of sailings today and tomorrow."
The temporary published timetables are subject to change so travellers should double-check before setting off, he said.