Chief and Treasury Minister to meet with Steam Packet

The Chief Minister and the Treasury Minister will meet with the Chairman and Managing Director of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company (IOMSPC) this morning (January 3) to receive an update on the current industrial dispute.

The Chief Minister, Alf Cannan said: “Any industrial dispute is always disruptive but particularly so when it involves transport services. We will want to understand more regarding the background to the dispute and what plans are in place for resolution.

“We will also seek reassurance around contingency planning to maintain an essential service level for our sea service.”

Steam Packet sailing changes

Industrial action has caused Steam Packet bosses to deploy the cargo ship “Arrow” to operate some overnight freight sailings.

The IOMSPC says that “due to a rostered officer having to unexpectedly take leave for personal reasons, Manxman will be undermanned for the next two weeks”.

As a result of Nautilus’ ongoing ‘industrial action short of a strike,’ no fellow officers will swap shifts or cover the absence via paid overtime, according to the Steam Packet.

From today (January 3) Manxman will only be able to operate a single daily sailing.

Industrial action

The Nautilus Union announced on December 19 that ferry officers at the IOMSPC will take continuous action short of strike from 6pm on December 27.

Members indicated resounding support for industrial action with 89% of those participating in the ballot voting yes to action short of strike, 81% voting for strike action, and a 77% turnout. 

Ships’ officers employed by the Company will not work any overtime, nor ‘work up’ to cover senior roles onboard.