The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company (IOMSPC) have involved Manx Industrial Relations in negotiations with Nautilus, in hopes that they can “work towards an amicable solution”.
Manx.news spoke to Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Managing Director (MD) Brian Thomson about the ongoing dispute with the maritime union Nautilus.
Thomson explained that the dispute has been well covered and has come about following the changes in terms and conditions regarding staff living on board the Manxman.
The Company hope that the involvement of Manx Industrial Relations in negotiations with Nautilus is a “positive step”.
The MD expects the Industrial Action to go on for the “next few weeks”, but added it “would be brilliant if we could cut that short”.
Negotiations
According to Thomson, negotiations are ongoing and there has been no fall out between the Company and the Union.
He said that the business model has changed for the Company, therefore the terms and conditions have to change, and the vessel (Manxman) has to be live aboard for “most of the crew”.
Adding that Ben my Chree will also have to become a live aboard vessel:
“Particularly if it is to be chartered elsewhere. The option of going home at night isn’t on the table if you’re operating in the channel islands or the north of Scotland,” Thomson said.
Amicable solution
Thomson added that he doesn’t agree with the “fire and rehire” term and says its “nonsense” comparing it to the P&O ferry dispute.
He said: “P&O fired people on the day, they had security staff escort their officers from the vessel. The Steam Packet haven’t done that.
“We’ve followed a legal process, followed legal advice and it’s disappointing that we’ve had to get to that point and as I said we’d love to pull back from that and actually come to an amicable solution.”
Brian Thomson, IOMSPC Managing Director
Thomson reiterated that the Steam Packet’s stance has always been to reach an amicable solution.
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