Orkney Ferries workers vote for industrial action after rejecting pay offer

Orkney Ferries workers vote for industrial action after rejecting pay offer

1 August 2025

RMT Press Office:

RMT members working on Orkney’s lifeline ferry services have voted in favour of industrial action short of strike, following the rejection of a pay offer from their employer.

The offer failed to address key issues around pay, rest time, and job security.
 
Given the existing short staffing across the service, any action short of a strike is expected to cause major disruption.
 
The workforce is already stretched thin, and even limited action will have a serious impact on operations.
 
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: "These are essential transport workers keeping island communities connected every day. 
"They have had enough of being undervalued and overworked.
 
"Our members are prepared to act unless a significantly improved offer is made."
 
The union has formally notified the company of the mandate and is awaiting a response.
 
END

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