The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company (IOMSPC) has reached agreement with the Nautilus union which represents Officers that operate the Steam Packet’s ferry service.
This agreement resolves the key issue regarding working practices that require certain Officers to live aboard the company’s fleet at times.
“We are pleased that our Officers and Nautilus brought solutions to our negotiations that have enabled us to reach a positive and fair agreement that ensures that we can continue to deliver a high-quality service to our customers,” said Brian Thomson, Managing Director of IOMSPC.
“We would like to thank our employees for their hard work and dedication during this period.”
The Managing Director said that the Company can “now focus on delivering the reliable and quality service that our passengers expect and deserve on board our vessels”, which he claims “are the envy of the Irish Sea”.
Nautilus Union
In December, Nautilus members objected to management proposals for live aboard requirements, under which the ferry was designed to operate, and began industrial action over the critical Christmas and New Year’s festive season.
As a result, IOMSPC says it was “left with no choice but to issue letters giving notice that terms and conditions would change”.
The Company says that, “Beyond complying with the safety management system, living aboard allows for more flexibility and resilience, and a reduction in the number of cancellations, providing a stronger lifeline ferry service for the Isle of Man”.
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