Several national media reported about possible consequences of the Scottish Ferries Review report which is due anytime soon. According to these articles it looks like that certain parties have seen (drafts of) the reports and the suggestions that are made. A report in the Scotsman stated that: "Maritime union bosses fired a warning salvo at the Scottish Government last night to keep their hands off lifeline ferry services – or face possible strike action. Bob Crow, general secretary of maritime union RMT called on the government to end speculation that Caledonian MacBrayne's prime Hebridean and Clyde ferry services could pass into private ownership, as a result of the latest government review."

Also other media such as the Press and Journal wrote about the same subject: "The Rail Maritime and Transport union (RMT) yesterday called on the Scottish Government to give a “cast iron assurance” that there will be no reductions in ferry services amid fears of widespread cuts. At a meeting in Oban last night, RMT general secretary, Bob Crow, urged ministers to end speculation that ferries in Scotland will be facing severe cuts and privatisation following a review currently being conducted." Continue reading....

Mr Crow believes the threat to the services has increased as the coalition government at Westminster target transport budgets in their widespread review of public spending. Mr Crow said his members would ballot for industrial action if the pay, pensions and working conditions of ferry staff was threatened. The Scottish Ferries Review was set up to examine the current provision of ferry services and look at what changes should be made to meet future needs. Before the meeting in the town’s Royal Hotel Mr Crow said: “The CalMac Hebridean and Clyde Ferries are a vital part of the transport infrastructure of Scotland and we are asking for an absolute assurance from the Scottish Executive that there will be no cuts on any of the routes currently operated."

In the last paragraph the Scotsman wrote: "Oban based Caledonian MacBrayne Captain Norman Martin, said: "People's livelihoods are at stake. We deliver to these islands and we know them. "This (ferry service reviews] has been going on for 25 years and the islanders are completely bamboozled by it. Every year there is another inquiry under different auspices." Sandy Brunton, president of Mull and Iona Chamber of Commerce, said: "If the ferries are put under threat I think there would be an uproar."

I haven't seen any official (draft)reports on the Scottish Government Website yet regarding the Ferries Review. If anything interesting comes up I'll post an article here.

Tag: ferries government calmac