Industrial Dispute on CalMac Ferries

That the Parliament understands that RMT members are being consulted by their trade union on industrial action following the collapse of annual pay talks with CalMac; supports all seafarers, port and clerical staff at CalMac, who continue to risk their own health and that of their families to maintain lifeline public services on Clyde and Hebridean ferry routes during the pandemic; is alarmed at reports that three crew members on the MV Isle of Lewis, the 25-year-old ferry working between Oban and Castlebay on Barra, recently tested positive for COVID-19; understands that the existing 0.5% pay offer would cost the employer £450,000, and that the income of the highest paid director at CalMac was £165,000 in 2018-19, and calls on CalMac to return to the negotiating table with an improved pay offer to better reflect the needs of CalMac workers, passengers and communities across the west of Scotland.