Union hopes Steam Packet will 'reassess previous refusal' to resolve dispute via arbitrator

Follows clarification from MIRS over arbitration claims

Maritime trade union Nautilus is welcoming a clarification from the Manx Industrial Relations Service that independent arbitration can be set up on the Isle of Man.

The union is in dispute with the Steam Packet Company over changes to conditions which would see workers given no choice but to live on board the Manxman.

The company believes the move would improve ‘resilience’ and ‘reliability’ – something the union has described as ‘inaccurate’.

Previously, we’ve been told that the SPC is refusing to engage in an arbitration process to resolve the ‘impasse’ to negotiations.

Nautilus says the clarification ‘should end any ambiguity’ and hope the Steam Packet will ‘reassess [it's] previous refusal’ and agree to engage with an arbitrator.

Manx Radio has invited the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company to respond.