Steam Packet workers vote in favour of strike action

81% of union members balloted say 'yes' to industrial action

Steam Packet workers have voted in favour of strike action. 

Nautilus International – which represents officers working for the company – says 81 percent of those balloted wish to take industrial action. 

Eighty-nine percent voted ‘yes’ to action short of strike. 

The turnout for the ballot was 77 percent. 

Nautilus Senior National Secretary Garry Elliot said: “The result of this ballot is a clear indication of our members’ frustrations at the unreasonable actions of the company, threatening fire and rehire and refusing independent arbitration.

“Our members are critical to this lifeline service and industrial action is a last resort, members are disappointed that the employer has given them no other choice.

“We urge Steam Packet to take this ballot result as a point to reflect on their threat of fire and rehire, engage in meaningful negotiations to avoid disruption or commit to independent collective arbitration.”

The union claims its members have been threatened with ‘repeated threats of fire and rehire’ if they don’t accept ‘fundamental changes’ to their terms and conditions. 

Employees have been given until 22 December to sign new contracts or face dismissal. 

Nautilus says it will announce plans for industrial action in due course.

In response, the Isle of Man Steam Packet says: "The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company notes with disappointment the outcome of the ballot for industrial action held by Nautilus Union."

"The Company is working with stakeholders to ensure contingency plans are in place for maintaining lifeline services to and from the island in the event of any action." 

Managing Director Brian Thomson says: 'We’ve hoped all along to avoid this situation but we’ve also been planning for the worst.'

'We would now expect the Union, its members and our officers to do what is in their power to minimise any impact on the travelling public and every island resident who relies on the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company daily.'