Union disquiet over Serco contract for island ferries

THE maritime union Nautilus International has voiced its concerns about the Scottish Government’s decision to name Serco as the preferred bidder for a lifeline ferry contract for the Northern Isles.

The firm is due to take over the routes to Orkney and Shetland from rival NorthLink for six years from this summer under a £243 million contract.

Rail Maritime and Transport union general secretary Bob Crow has described the “privatisation” of the service as a “bitter kick in the teeth” for islanders and ferry staff.

Yesterday, Nautilus, which represents 23,000 maritime workers, called for urgent meetings with Serco management to discuss pay, conditions and pension provision for seafarers who are employed by NorthLink.

Mark Dickinson, the union’s general secretary, said the union would also be undertaking a programme of ship visits to discuss concerns with members.

He said: “Once again, the bidding process for Scotland’s lifeline ferry services has sparked unnecessary alarm and uncertainty. We strongly dispute the need to put these essential services out to tender every six years, with all the resulting fears for the future that this generates for staff and public alike.”