RMT on the latest statistics from Serco NorthLink

Scottish ferries union RMT today commented on the latest statistics from Serco NorthLink, current operator of the Northern Isles Ferry Service (NIFS) contract for the Scottish Government.

RMT General Secretary, Mick Cash said:

“RMT members and their colleagues in Serco NorthLink deserve enormous credit for continuing to operate a successful lifeline ferry service to Orkney and Shetland, all year round in the tough conditions of the North Sea and the Pentland Firth.

“The Scottish Government will start the tender contract for the next Northern Isles Ferry Service contract in the coming weeks, and we look forward to ensuring that the tender documents protect the interests of all staff working on vessels and in harbours across this public service contract which is central to the health of the Northern Isles economy.

“We also await introduction of the taxpayer funded fare reduction scheme across all Northern Isles routes, particularly in the Pentland Firth, which should mirror the success CalMac has had in delivering major growth in passengers and vehicles carried on the Clyde and Hebrides network since 2015.”‎

Ends.


Notes to Editors
1. RMT is the biggest union in the Scottish ferry industry, including seafarers and shore-based staff working on the public contracts for Northern Isles, Clyde and Hebrides and Gourock-Dunoon ferry services.
2. Serco NorthLink’s 2012-18 contract was extended earlier this year by the Scottish Government. Serco value this extension at £104m https://www.serco.com/news/media-releases/2018/serco-signs-104-million-northlink-ferries-contract-extension
3. The Scottish Government extended the current NIFS contract as a result of its ongoing Ferry Services Policy Procurement Review. The tender documents are due out shortly from Transport Scotland.