TOWARDS COLLECTIVE BARGAINING

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: november/december 2020 :: RMTnews 15 RMT is preparing for an industrial action ballot after crucial pay talks collapsed with the union pointing the finger at direct interference from the Scottish government which scuppered potential progress towards a settlement. Following two previous rounds of pay negotiations with Calmac, Scotland’s biggest ferry union RMT was disappointed at an Avoidance of Disputes meeting with the Calmac Managing Director and sister trade unions has once again ended with a failure from the company to accept that the pay offer in effect amounts to a pay cut for ferry crews and other workers crucial to providing a life-line to Scotland’s west coast islands. RMT members have worked throughout the COVID -19 pandemic risking their own health and the health and well-being of their loved ones and to now be offered a derisory pay award is a serious kick in the teeth. RMT generalsSecretary Mick Cash said that negotiators had tried over a series of meetings to get a cost of living award for essential lifeline ferry workers and despite their best efforts the CalMac managing director had given the same response as his management colleagues have issued from the first meeting . "It’s become increasingly apparent that Transport Scotland and the Scottish government are putting pressure on CalMac to hold a line which will see our members financially disadvantaged. “This is not acceptable to RMT and we will be balloting our members to secure financial fairness for members and their families in these uncertain times,” he said. TOWARDS COLLECTIVE BARGAINING Ground-breaking new collective bargaining structure for North Sea workers a step closer LIFELINE: Caledonian MacBrayne ferry docking at Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, Scottish Islands HOLYROOD SCUPPERS CALMAC PAY TALKS The potential to establish a ground breaking new collective agreement for thousands of engineering and maintenance workers in the North Sea moved a step closer after a total of 15 major contractors from the energy sector supply chain confirmed their support for a deal with the three unions involved, RMT, Unite and GMB. The companies involved are Aker, Altrad, Altera, Brand, Kaefer, Muehlhan, Navitas, ODE, Oleochem, Petrofac, Ponticelli, Semco, Stork, Wood and Worley and all have committed to the further development of the new agreement to replace the OCA.  RMT general secretary Mick Cash said that the news that 15 major employers had committed to work with the unions in the establishment of a framework for collective bargaining in the offshore energy sector was extremely encouraging.  “The collaborative working of the trade unions and industry is an illustration of what is required to deliver a just and green recovery for workers and the UK energy supply chain and what we want to see now is government support for this exemplar in collaboration.  “If successful this new ‘Energy Services Agreement’ is to succeed, the first of it’s kind for the UK energy sector, it would be an historic event for a sector which has seen boom and bust cycles causing extreme difficulties for workers and employers alike over the last decade. “Stability, sustainability and security of employment for the sector are critical and this deal could deliver. “It is our firm belief that it is vital for members to be covered by a collective bargaining agreement to protect hard-fought for terms and conditions. “Our work will continue to complete the ESA, with affected members being consulted on the matter and to ensure that a signed agreement is in place by the end of the year,” he said.