RMT suspends CalMac and Argyll Ferries strike

In a letter to members tonight, maritime union RMT has confirmed that strike action due to start on Calmac and Argyll Ferries on friday has been suspended.

In the letter to members, below, General Secretary Mick Cash says that following discussions with the Scottish Government this afternoon the tendering process has been delayed to allow further negotiation on the key issues of jobs, staffing, conditions and pensions.

The letter, in full, says;

STRIKE ACTION DUE TO COMMENCE AT 00.01 FRIDAY 10TH JULY IS SUSPENDED

ALL MEMBERS INSTRUCTED TO WORK NORMALLY

Dear Colleague,

Following further discussions this afternoon, and the Scottish Government agreeing to delay the publication of the Draft Invitation to Tender until 31st July 2015, RMT has agreed to suspend the current industrial action planned for Friday 10th July affecting CHFS and Argyll ferries services

This suspension is to allow detailed discussions with all parties regarding the modest demands made by RMT around no compulsory redundancies, staffing levels, protection of terms & conditions and pensions.

A timetable has been agreed for these discussions which must be concluded by 24th July 2015.
All members are instructed to work normally on Friday 10th July 2015.

I will write to you again shortly.

Yours sincerely,

Mick Cash
General Secretary

Ends