Nautilus International, as the trade union representing officers working at Isle of Man Steam Packet Company (IOMSPCo), has released the results of its ballot for industrial action.
The results are as follows:
- 81% voted yes to strike action
- 89% voted yes to action short of strike
- Turnout was 77%
Members were balloted for industrial action following the employer's repeated threats of fire and rehire if they did not accept fundamental changes to contractual terms and conditions. Members have been given until 22 December to sign new contracts or face dismissal.
Steam Packet has repeatedly refused to engage in independent arbitration as per the collective bargaining agreement.
The result of the ballot means disruption to Steam Packet services is likely.
Responding to the result, Nautilus senior national secretary Garry Elliot said: 'The result of this ballot is a clear indication of our members' frustrations at the unreasonable actions of the company, threatening fire and rehire and refusing independent arbitration.
'Our members are critical to this lifeline service and industrial action is a last resort. Members are disappointed that the employer has given them no other choice.
'We urge Steam Packet to take this ballot result as the point to reflect on its threat of fire and rehire, engage in meaningful negotiations to avoid disruption, or commit to independent collective arbitration.'
Nautilus will announce plans for industrial action in due course.
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