Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 25 May 2000 For Use: Immediately

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has warmly welcomed the news that strike action on Cal-Mac ferries planned for this weekend has been called off.

The Chairman of Transportation, Mr. Norman A. Macdonald, said:

"Obviously I very much welcome the fact that strike action will not go ahead and I would like to express thanks to both sides, the Caledonian MacBrayne management and Numast, for their efforts in reaching agreement. I would also pay tribute to the Scottish Executive for their involvement once talks had broken down. From the Comhairle's point of view I am grateful to local retailers and other businesses for their co-operation in helping out with contingency plans. The Comhairle was in regular contact with both the management of Caledonian MacBrayne and representatives of Numast.

In addition we were in contact with Alasdair Morrison MSP and Calum Macdonald MP and I would like to thank them for their involvement in bringing parties together. Co-operation is essential in these issues and I am pleased that for the most part, the various players in what has been a difficult issue, have responded in a calm manner. There must be no place for knee jerk reactions and political point scoring on such a vital issue for the people of the Western Isles.

It is important to recognise that there has been a detrimental impact on the islands as a result of this dispute and I do feel that it is not in the interests of anyone that pay negotiations for those involved in lifeline services are carried out in this way. I think there could be room for reviewing the manner in which such negotiations are carried out. For instance, in my view, it would be preferable to go to arbitration before balloting on strike action. Any such review would, of course, have to be carried out in full consultation with the management and trades unions."

Ends

Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer