Isle of Man ferry disruption not a risk to essential supplies - minister

Evening and overnight crossings of the Manxman have been suspended for two weeks

The Isle of Man is not currently at risk of shortages of essential supplies despite disruption to ferry services due to industrial action, the Manx treasury minister has said.

Alex Allinson has met management of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company to discuss the impact.

Members of Nautilus are currently refusing to cover senior roles or work overtime in a dispute over contracts.

That action has led to a cut in passenger services for a fortnight.

On Tuesday, the ferry firm said passenger sailings on the Manxman would be reduced to one return trip a day after a rostered officer had to take leave for personal reasons.

Nautilus represents 48 of the firm's 70 officers and those who had not agreed to the new contracts were put on 12 weeks' notice on 22 December.

'Closely monitored'

The union had called for the government to step in to help resolve the dispute, which centres around officers having to live aboard the ferry rather than go home during rest periods while on shift.

However, ministers have said they would not interfere in the negotiations.

The Steam Packet is owned by the government but is run at arms-length by a board of directors.

Mr Allinson said the Council of Ministers had met to discuss the disruption to services.

He said there was "confidence that supplies of food, fuel and essential medications to the island are not currently at risk".

The situation was being "closely monitored" by the government's Emergency Planning Strategic Group liaising with the Steam Packet, critical infrastructure partners and local retailers, Mr Allinson said.

The government was "reassured" the firm would "be examining all avenues available to them in order to deliver a full and resilient transport service for island residents and businesses", he added.

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