Ferry strike - 26 June

Today, there is a strike on most Calmac ferry services. All sailings to and from the Western Isles are cancelled. The gates to the ferry terminal are chained shut, and the terminal at Ullapool is reportedly picketed by trades union activists. The tourism trade is affected by cancellations, or having to put up people for longer than initially planned. The strike was called as the trades union RMT is concerned about the future. The Scottish Government has put out to tender all 26 routes on which Calmac ferries currently ply, and there is another company seeking to take over the franchise. This leads to uncertainty over pay, conditions, pensions and the routes themselves. Whilst acknowledging the inconvenience of the stoppage and its impact on the important tourism sector, I broadly support the strike. I would probably have toned down my support had I required ferry travel today.