Disruption on Orkney ferry routes 'inevitable' as workers set for overtime ban

Disruption on ferry routes in Orkney is “inevitable”, says a leading trade union, as workers prepare for a ban on overtime.

Unite the Union confirmed on Wednesday that Orkney Ferries workers will take part in industrial action in a dispute over pay.

More than 20 outer north and inner isles Orkney Ferries workers represented by Unite will take part in a continuous ban on overtime starting from midnight on August 28.

The union claims that due to the ferries relying on workers to take shifts beyond their contracted hours, services could be reduced by the industrial action.

The latest development in the pay dispute comes after members rejected a two-year pay offer.

Unite says its members have also reacted “angrily” to an enhanced recall rate given for extra hours worked now being removed by the operator.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Orkney Ferries must come back to the negotiating table with an enhanced offer or the overtime ban will last for months. This action will result in ferry services being reduced due to the intransigence of Orkney Ferries.

“Unite will fully back our members all the way in their fight for better jobs, pay and conditions.”

The workers cover a range of roles, including engineers, passenger and customer services assistants, as well as chefs.

Orkney Ferries operates the inter-island ferry services in the Orkney Islands.

Paula Buchan, Unite industrial officer: “The overtime ban will inevitably result in disruption to ferry services and delays for passengers, but Orkney Ferries is directly responsible due to its failure to negotiate a fair deal for workers.

“Unite has repeatedly tried to resolve this pay dispute with management but they are doing their very best to make this situation harder to fix.”

Orkney Ferries has been contacted for comment.