Manxman to resume normal service

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has announced that the Manxman will return to normal service this evening (January 8).

Last week, MV Arrow was carrying out freight services overnight to cover the Manxman.

The freight vessel was operating the night sailings due to staff absences and members of Nautilus taking industrial action .

Normal service

The Manxman will depart Douglas tonight at 7:45pm and return to the Island from Heysham at 2:15am.

It is worth noting that tomorrow (January 9) mornings sailing to Heysham has been rescheduled for 8am.

The vessel has an expected arrival time in Heysham for 11:45am.

Negotiations

Last week (January 5), Nautilus members working onboard Isle of Man Steam Packet Company (IOMSPCo) vessels ceased industrial action.

The was following the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company withdrawing “the threat of fire and rehire” and has committed to further talks and arbitration if necessary.

The Union says the action has been stopped with immediate effect.

Welcomed decision

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has welcomed the decision by Nautilus International to “repudiate” the industrial action.

The action short of strike commenced on December 27, which ended up resulting in the Manxman sailings being cut down to one a day.

A spokesperson for the Company said the company:

“Looks forward to productive discussions about resolving the remaining issues in the negotiations around changes to terms and conditions to accommodate live aboard working practices within the Company’s fleet.”