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Hauliers braced for ferry strike losses
Page 8
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• by David Craik Scottish hauliers are bracing themselves for hem losses if a ferry strike, which would cripple services between the mainland and the islands, goes ahead later this month.
The Rail Maritime and Transport Union has refused a 3% pay offer from ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne management, and the result of a ballot for industrial action among its 450 members at the ferry operator will be known on 21August.
Despite negotiations last Friday (8 August) and earlier this week to resolve the dispute, hauliers are worried that strike action will have serious consequences, costing them as much as £1,000 a day. if a strike comes, we will have to use smaller ferries," says Donald Bannatyne, owner of Isle of Arranbased Arran Haulage Services.
"This will add an extra 200 miles to our journeys and increase waiting times for our vehicles and drivers. During the last strike, which lasted eight days in December 2001, we Lost a total of £5,000."
Bannatyne adds that the threat of strike action can be worse than the event itself: "We know how to cope, but it is reassuring our customer base that is the difficult part. These strike threats and disputes are becoming too regular.
"Those in negotiations see it as a game. They are posturing, but they forget the impact it has on us. I would support nonstrike agreements at Cal Mac."
Charles Black, owner of Dunoon-based Blacks Transport who has also experienced previous Cal Mac strikes adds: The effect will be greatest for those hauliers based on the islands. They won't be able to get off. It is a hassle for the drivers."