FERRY workers have threatened to strike in a dispute over jobs, pensions and working conditions on the Clyde and Hebridean routes.

The RMT union has announced it will ballot its members on strike action, warning operator Caledonian MacBrayne that the "clock was ticking".

The union said that its relationship with CalMac, which runs services to tourist spots such as Mull, Bute and Arran, had deteriorated in recent months and that the state-run company had failed to give satisfactory assurances over job security, conditions of service, pensions and continuity of lifeline ferry services for remote communities and businesses.

The union will shortly begin balloting members for both strike action and action short of a strike.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: "The clock is ticking and the union has no alternative but to ballot CalMac members for strike action and industrial action short of strike action, in order to secure our members' rights during this period of increasing uncertainty and insecurity."

A spokesman for CalMac said that the company was disappointed in the call for a ballot, adding that the disagreement had only been raised recently.

He said: "We are disappointed that the RMT has outlined its intention to ballot for industrial action given the bulk of these issues were only raised with us on Monday.

"Discussions on pensions are due to commence next week but the RMT have chosen to act before we have had an opportunity to finalise pension reform proposals and consult fully with our employees.

"We have a timetable in place for formal consultations with our staff and unions, a process which is designed to help us reach a fair agreement on an acceptable set of proposals."

He said the demand for assurances include a "number of other matters which have not previously been raised with the company".

He added: "While we would welcome discussion on all these issues, we believe it is far too early in the consultation process to be talking in terms of a potential dispute.

"Should the possibility of industrial action arise we will strive to minimise the effect on our communities and employees.

"Clearly we remain hopeful that any unnecessary dispute can be avoided and we don't lose sight of delivering a lifeline service over a busy summer period."