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Our Ref: SH/0001/OF
13th December 2012
Dear Colleagues,
RATES OF PAY & CONDITIONS OF SERVICE 2012
ORKNEY FERRIES
Further to my letter dated 3rd December advising you of the strike action ballot result regarding the above your RMT Regional Organiser Mick Hogg and RMT Representatives advised that although the majority of members do not wish to take strike action, an overtime ban may well be the favourable option.
As you may be aware, your colleagues at Unite Union on the Small Ferries have already returned a vote in favour of action short of strike action and I understand that other union members at Nautilus International will be balloted shortly on the same question. This matter has now been considered by your RMT Executive Committee which has taken the decision to conduct a fresh ballot of you and your colleagues for action short of strike action. This is with a view to RMT members standing strong together with other Union colleagues in a 3 for 1 overtime ban.
I have made it clear to Orkney Ferries that this dispute situation will remain in place until such time as it makes a decent and fair pay offer that is acceptable to RMT members. The Company is aware that RMT and the other Unions are available to return to talks aimed at resolving this situation but no response has been forthcoming. Now is the time that we must force the Company back to the negotiating table by returning a vote in favour of taking industrial action and showing we are prepared to fight for what you and your colleagues rightly deserve.
The ballot papers will be posted to you and your colleagues on Thursday 20th December and the closing date for the ballot is by first post, Thursday 17th January 2013. If any member does not receive their ballot paper or if a colleague wishes to join the Union and receive a vote, they should call the freephone helpline on 0800 376 3706, e-mail info@rmt.org.uk or call RMT Head Office on 0207 529 8293.
MAKE SURE YOU USE YOUR VOTE
VOTE ‘YES’ FOR INDUSTRIAL ACTION SHORT OF A STRIKE
Yours Sincerely,
Bob Crow
General Secretary
