Press Release, 20th May 2013
FEARS FOR FUTURE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF CALMAC STAFF
Fears are being expressed today about the future terms and conditions for staff working at CalMac’s HQ in Gourock.
The fears were sparked after the Ferry Operator announced plans to cut the pay of its clerical staff by up to 25% in its offices in Largs, Ardrossan and Brodick.
Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil has concerns the decision represents the thin edge of the wedge and could have long-term consequences for his constituents who are based at the offices in Gourock.
The MSP met with union officials in parliament recently to discuss the issue. He has also backed a parliamentary motion condemning the proposed pay cuts.
Duncan McNeil said:
“I have deep concerns about the repercussions these plans will have on the future terms and conditions of my constituents who work at the CalMac offices in Gourock. This decision to target 5% percent of the workforce, 70% of who are women may only be the thin of the edge of wedge”
Notes
Caledonian MacBrayne Pay and Conditions
That the Parliament is concerned that Caledonian MacBrayne proposals could see some port staff, in offices such as Largs, Ardrossan and Brodick, receive pay cuts of up to 25%, effectively putting some employees on wages that they were on 20 years ago and putting them under severe financial pressure; understands that Caledonian MacBrayne made a pre-tax profit of £4.1 million in 2012-13, achieved technical reliability and punctuality levels of 99.9% and 99.7% respectively and also achieved 100% in customer service efficiency; believes that these excellent results are due to the hard work and professionalism of Caledonian MacBrayne staff, including those whose pay and conditions would be dramatically lowered should these proposals go ahead, and notes calls for Caledonian MacBrayne not to proceed with these proposals and to honour existing staff contracts.