AN INDUSTRIAL dispute which threatened renewed disruption to Scotland's main ferry network has been settled after the union secured "the best possible deal" for CalMac workers.
RMT said there would be no further strikes on CalMac or Argyll Ferries services after the trade union brokered an agreement with ministers that will see crews' current pension package guaranteed, regardless of who wins the new ferries contract.
The deal, following four days of talks by union representatives, the Scottish Government, and CalMac Ferries Ltd, will also protect members' current terms and conditions and secures their employment, said the RMT.
It means a potential strike by CalMac managers and ticket office staff, represented by TSSA, is also called off.
Public sector operator CalMac is shortlisted along with private firm, Serco, to run the service, which had sparked accusations that of "privatisation by the back door".
The new contract is due to begin in October 2016.
General Secretary Mick Cash said: "Thanks to the hard work of our negotiators we have reached a clear agreement on the key issues which enables us to settle this dispute.
"I want to pay tribute to the solidarity and determination of our members which has enabled us to secure this agreement and I also want to thank the local communities who have supported us in this fight.
"Although the dispute is over the fight to retain the lifeline ferry services in the public sector continues."
The agreement means the tendering process, halted earlier this month, will now resume.
Transport Minister Derek Mackay said: “All parties involved in the talks have worked hard to find a solution and I am very pleased an agreement has now been reached that ends the threat of further strike action.
“Nowhere will this news be welcomed more than in our islands and we must now return our focus on delivering these vital ferry services for the communities that depend on them.
“The agreement also means that the tendering process for the next [Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services] contract will continue, with the Initial Invitation To Tender set to issue on July 31."
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