With pressure mounting on politicians to intervene in the ongoing dispute between the state-owned Steam Packet and maritime union Nautilus, the Treasury issued a statement this afternoon after senior Ministers met with the Company.
The Chief Minister and the Treasury Minister met with the Chairman and Managing Director of the Steam Packet Company to get an update on the current stale mate over ‘live on board’ arrangements and the effect it is having on schedules.
An official statement from the Treasury outlined the basis of the talks.
“The discussion centred on gaining further insights into the current industrial dispute and exploring strategies to minimise disruptions to passenger services and to freight deliveries.
Treasury spokesperson
“A series of regular updates will follow to keep abreast of ongoing developments and understand the approach taken to mitigate any potential passenger disruptions.
“The next steps and proposed measures will be shared and discussed with the Council of Ministers on Thursday, when a further update will be provided.”
Steam Packet industrial action
The Chief Minister and the Treasury Minister met 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.
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.
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