RMT Press Office

RMT moves into dispute with CalMac as pay talks breakdown.

After two days of extensive pay negotiations between CalMac and the unions, RMT confirmed today that those talks have broken down due to the failure of the company to table an acceptable offer and the unions have now moved the matter into a formal dispute. RMT’s executive will now decide on the next steps

CalMac told the union side that their successful bid for the routes was based on CPI and from now on pay offers will be based on this index as opposed to RPI which is the traditional benchmark used in pay negotiations.



As well as this attempt to impose Scottish Government inspired austerity measures on their hard working and loyal workforce, the company also informed the Trade Union side that they would no longer be paying the bonus, which has been paid at an established rate of up to 1.5%, if the company make a profit.



This bonus has been paid at the rate of 1.5% every year for over a decade. Management also informed the negotiating team that people not covered by a collective bargaining agreement, which includes all the senior managers and directors will continue to receive a bonus. RMT made it clear that this divisive and unjust application of the bonus is wholly unacceptable.



The company eventually made a final offer of 1.8% each year of a two year proposed deal. This is the August 2016 RPI inflation figure. Most analysts are currently forecasting inflation will rise to between 2.6% and 3.3% by the end of 2017 which means staff pay will fall behind the cost of living.



RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said;



“It's clear to everyone that RMT members played a huge role in the campaign that led to CalMac beating off the attempt to wrestle the life-line ferry services away from them. These pay and bonus proposals from management are a kick in the teeth for those loyal and dedicated RMT CalMac members and will be resisted by all means necessary.



“All four CalMac Trade Unions are in dispute with the company and we will now be deciding the next moves as we move the campaign for pay justice fowards.



“RMT’s negotiating team remain available for talks with the company to resolve this dispute."



RMT National Secretary Steve Todd said;



“CalMac staff are angry and disappointed at pay proposals that would slash their standards of living in years to come as well as ripping away the bonus entitlement that has been built up over many years. That is no way to reward staff who are the lifeblood of the CalMac operation and the unions are demanding that the company come forward with a fair and just offer.”





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