Agreement reached in Manx ferry firm union dispute

Work to rule industrial action in December has seen ferry crossings reduced

An agreement has been reached between a maritime union and the Isle of Man's ferry operator over live aboard conditions.

Services were reduced to one daily return trip in late December when members of Nautilus took industrial action which included refusing to cover other officers shifts.

That action was called off in early January after the union agreed to continued talks with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, with 75% of members voting in favour of the new offer.

A union spokesman said it meant officers would "now have more time at home with their families and loved ones than originally offered, while also allowing provision for live aboard".

The government-owned ferry company said the living aboard conditions allowed for "more flexibility and resilience and a reduction in the number of cancellations".

'Reasonable and acceptable'

Welcoming the resolution managing director Brian Thomson said the firm could now "focus on delivering the reliable and quality service that our passengers expect and deserve”.

In December, Nautilus members objected to live aboard requirements imposed by the Steam Packet and voted for industrial action.

The ferry firm issued letters giving notice to employees that their employment would come to an end at the start of the new year, with the option of re-employment under the new terms and conditions.

Some MHKs had previously raised concerns in Tynwald that the move amounted to "fire and rehire".

The union's senior national organiser Garry Elliot thanked its members "for their resolve during what has been an incredibly difficult time".

He said: “Through collective action, our members have ensured that changes to their terms and conditions are reasonable and acceptable to both them and the company.

“We further call on the Manx government to once and for all outlaw fire and rehire.”