RMT hits back at campaign of misinformation as union says it’s proud to stop the use of blatantly unsafe vessels on CalMac services
SCOTTISH Ferries Union RMT today responded to a passenger group’s claims over the factors behind Pentland Ferries withdrawal from a time charter agreement with CalMac, as the fall-out from the Scottish Government’s failed ferry procurement policies continues.
RMT General Secretary, Mick Lynch said:
“We are proud to have stopped this unsafe vessel from coming onto lifeline routes and to have upheld safety standards for CalMac crew and passengers. We are also proud of our members at CalMac and across the Scottish ferry industry who continue to serve island communities with dedication and professionalism.
“The fact is that the Pentalina has been operating for over five years with a serious safety defect in the fire separation between the galley kitchen and the passenger lounge, in the pursuit of profit. This would never have happened in a trade union organised workplace, but it is no surprise to this union that an over bearing owner has effectively covered up and dismissed crew concerns over the safety of the Pentalina.
“Andrew Banks, the owner of Pentland Ferries, needs to step away from the angle grinder and admit that Pentland Ferries has been caught out trying to foist an unsafe catamaran on island communities desperate for a safe and sustainable solution which their government is struggling to find.
“We well understand the frustration of communities on Clyde and Hebrides routes. RMT continue to apply political pressure on the Scottish Government to call a ferries summit and work with the trade unions, passenger groups, CalMac and others in order to solve this crisis.”
