Steam Packet: 'We will not agree preferential terms for Nautilus members'

Company says it wants to return to live on-board model

The Steam Packet says it will not agree to ‘preferential treatment’ for members of staff represented by a union which has floated industrial action over live onboard arrangements.

Nautilus claims its members have been threatened with ‘fire and rehire’ if they do not accept changes to their working conditions.

The union claims making staff live onboard for two weeks at a time will mean they'll ‘lose 83 days per year with their loved ones ashore’.

Nautilus has branded the Steam Packet ‘dishonest’ saying it hasn’t entered into negotiations ‘in good faith’ and has refused independent arbitration.

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In response the Steam Packet said returning to a live onboard model ‘is the one addition’ it wishes to make to new terms and conditions for staff.

Managing Director Brian Thomason added: "Agreement has already been reached with another union whose members work in various roles and represent about 70 percent of the seagoing staff.

"I hope this means there is still an opportunity to resolve this discussion amicably. However what we will not do is agree to preferential terms for the members of one union over those of another who have already agreed and who are working hard on behalf of the company, our customers and the Manx public.

"The offer that is on the table now is a strong one and reflects various compromises made by the company in relation to its starting position.

"This includes the choice of week on/week off, or two weeks on/two weeks off working rotations, additional days leave and the additional bonus mentioned by Nautilus."

Having staff who live onboard the Manxman would, the Steam Packet claims, allow the company to offer ‘improved services’ for all customers.

Mr Thomson added: "The current need to change crews in Douglas approximately every 12 hours means there is very little opportunity to adapt to weather conditions or other circumstances.

"This leads to avoidable cancellations and disruption for customers occasionally resulting in the vessel sailing to Heysham and back without discharging passengers or freight.

"We, as a company, are returning to our roots as we strive to serve the travelling public and the Isle of Man better.

"Before Ben-my-Chree every conventional Steam Packet Company vessel was live on-board."