Yesterday saw the first in a series of planned 24 hour stoppages by crew members on board NorthLink ro-ro ferries. The Hjaltland berthed in Lerwick, Hrossey in Aberdeen, & Hamnavoe in Stromness, remained tied up as the dispute started to hit home.
The action is in regard to the cutting of 36 seafarers jobs in line with a new policy tailoring crew numbers to passenger loadings. The Rail, Maritime, & Transport Union (RMT) see this as unacceptable, breaking an alleged previous agreement.
After balloting the crew the RMT announced strike action would hit yesterday and also tomorrow if unresolved, and would continue for the next two weekends (Friday- Sundays) over the festive period.
Serco the contract operators are "disappointed " that strike action has taken place and further talks between the two sides will have to take place. Added to the mix is a poor forecast with much of next week seeing the threat of South Easterly gales, this could have knock on effects with regards the import of food supplies and other essentials to the islands.
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