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Union to ballot ferry workers

SHETLAND faces having its sea links with the Scottish mainland cut if ferry crews go ahead with their threat of strike action.

The RMT trade union announced yesterday it intends to ballot members on industrial action over terms and conditions after multi-national Serco took over the northern isles contract earlier this month.

The union has accused the company of "casualisation" of a skilled workforce, with plans to introduce zero hours contracts and reduced staffing levels.

The company has already met union demands over pension entitlements and working on other Serco vessels within and outside UK waters.

However, crews will now be balloted.

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