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Displaying items by tag: Unite the Union

In Scotland a historic picket line took place in Oban on the west coast as Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) members on Monday went on strike for the first time.

Around 20 Unite the Union members working for the NLB, which has its HQ in Edinburgh, have taken the action following a dispute over a pay rise of two per cent.

The increase argue the striking workers is too low an offer from the NLB which is the General Lighthouse Authority (GLA) responsible for the waters surrounding Scotland and the Isle of Man.

The striking workers had gathered outside the NLB's Depot in Oban in Argyll & Bute where its technical operations are carried out. In addition Oban is a base for its fleet of two aids to navigation tenders, the NLV Pharos and NLV Pole Star (See separate vessel replacement story).

The strike was held outside the organisation's Oban office on Gallanach Road where red Unite Scotland flags and plastic clappers were on hand to ensure their protest was seen and heard.

This was the first time that workers of NLB had carried out an official strike action in the organisation’s 236-year history. As Afloat reported in April workers voted to take strike-action over pay. 

The NLB is responsible for 208 lighthouses across Scotland and the Isle of Man, with employees maintaining and operating lighthouses, beacons and buoys at sea. Asides technicians working in Oban they are also based in Inverness, Orkney and Shetland.

The Oban Times has more on this historic strike which also involved a further 20 Unite members according to STV News which reported of strike action planned from noon on Monday until noon yesterday, Tuesday.

Published in Lighthouses

Ferry workers on the service to Rathlin Island, some six miles of the Antrim coast are to continue strike action this month over a dispute on pay and conditions.

At the weekend, the Unite the Union announced industrial action would be held in January with sailings cancelled on all Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Details of the affected sailings with dates are listed on the operator's (Rathlin Island Ferry Ltd) website. Afloat also adds, the continued disruption includes tomorrow, 10 January which is among 12 days in total nominated with cancelled sailings. The website however states that crew will continue to provide emergency cover to the Island community during the industrial action.

The announcement of further strikes, follows the cancellation of ferry sailings last Thursday on the Rathlin Island (White Church) - Ballycastle Harbour route which can take 25 minutes by fast-craft and 40 minutes by car-ferry. 

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary had called on the Department for Infrastructure to "intervene and ensure workers on the ferry service receive a cost of living pay increase and avoid further disruption".

The Irish News has more to report.

Published in Ferry

Crosshaven Boat Yard is the Irish distributor for Dufour Yachts of France. Crosshaven Boatyard offers a complete range of top quality Cruising and Racing yachts from 32 feet to 52 feet.

Crosshaven Boat Yard was established over 60 years ago and has been a family-based operation since its early days.

The Yard originally specialised in building commercial fishing boats and small pleasure craft, both sail and power and is famous for its involvement in the construction of a number of significant yachts such as Gypsy Moth V, Saint Brendan, Longbow II and a series of Moondusters were completed up to the early ’80s.

Crosshaven Boat Yard installed the first commercial marina, with a Marine Travel hoist, in Ireland in 1979. This era saw a major change of emphasis in the business and since then we have concentrated on all aspects of the repair, care and maintenance.

The Cork Harbour company also offer, the White Shark Range of Sports Boats cater for angling and water skiing interests.

Crosshaven Boatyard are also agents for the popular Seaward Range of Motor Cruisers from 19′ to 42′.

The firm's Brokerage service consistently achieves top results for our large client base and we can offer the best professional advice whether you are a buyer or a boat owner.

The yard is situated just a stone's throw from the Royal Cork Yacht Club,  the oldest yacht club in the world founded in 1720.