Steam Packet workers 'must not be blamed' says union

General Secretary of RMT responds to lockdown

Steam Packet workers must not be blamed for the latest outbreak of Covid-19 on the Island.

That’s from the RMT union after government identified a crew member on the Ben-my-Chree as the ‘index case’ of a recent cluster.

Health Minister David Ashford says it's not known if further unexplained cases are linked to the publicly-owned ferry company.

General Secretary Mick Cash says the union supports government's decision to impose a 21-day lockdown.

But in a statement he says: 'It's important to remember that steam packet workers have kept the island’s people, health services and businesses supplied throughout the pandemic and will continue to do so.'

Mr Cash adds: 'They must not be blamed for this outbreak and the RMT will work with all parties to ensure infection rates are suppressed, and brought back under control, ahead of a successful re-opening of the Manx economy.'

The RMT's national secretary is Darren Procter: