Ferry dispute put on hold

Planned industrial action on several Shetland Islands Council ferries, due to take place tomorrow morning, has been called off.

It had been expected that ferries on the Yell Sound, Bluemull Sound, Whalsay and Skerries routes would be disrupted between 6am and 9am, due to action by members of the Unite union.

The situation has been caused by 12 ferry mates who are refusing to act up as masters due to anomalies over the council’s Single Status Collective Agreement. They were balloted last week and agreed to strike each Wednesay morning until 4th March next year over the issue.

However, according to Unite regional organiser John Taylor the dispute will now be “put on hold” prior to talks with the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS).

North Isles councillor Steven Coutts welcomed the development. He said: “The council is keen to talk to the union and welcomes the fact that the strike has been called off. We look forward to an open discussion with them [union reps].”