Steam Packet 'waiting at the table' amid threat of industrial action

Nautilus' members will only work to their job description and won't carry out overtime

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has issued a statement insisting it’s ‘ready to reach an amicable solution’ amid a dispute with the maritime trade union Nautilus.

Members of the union are expected to take industrial action short of strike from 27 December at 6pm.

It’s being taken due to what’s being described as ‘fundamental changes’ to workers terms and conditions - the union says it's been told those are 'non-negotiable'.

Those terms and conditions would see its crew and officers adopt a ‘live on-board’ workstyle.

The ferry operator says its representatives are ‘waiting at the table’ for Nautilus to do a deal and the current offer to all officers remains:

• Six additional days leave and equivalent rest with a total of 42 days per annum,
• Five percent bonus for every day living on board, decreasing one percent each year,
• No termination of employment,
• No erosion or withdrawal of any existing benefits including pensions,
• A choice of working week on/week off or two weeks on/two weeks off.

We’re told the average pay of officers at the Isle of Man Steam Packet is £65,000 per annum.

Despite Nautilus consistently maintaining that the Steam Packet refuses to reach a conclusion via independent arbitration, the company says it’s willing to "conciliate via the MIRS for those who are unable to live aboard".