Keep ferries public

One of the first actions of the new Scottish government’s transport minister should be to ensure that the Clyde and Hebrides ferry routes remain in public hands Unite today (May 9).

With a decision on the tendering process expected at the end of May, Unite urged the new SNP government to stop the handover of the Cal Mac ferry service to Serco and to pledge to put people and communities before profit, by keeping it public.

Highlighting Serco’s track record on the North Link ferries contract, Unite went on to warn of cuts to services and job losses should the controversial firm be awarded the Clyde and Hebrides ferry routes.

“We would urge the new Scottish government to start its new parliamentary term by pledging to keep the Cal Mac ferry service in public hands,” said Unite Scottish secretary Pat Rafferty.

“The ferries serving the islands of Scotland are an economic and social lifeline. Handing it over to Serco will result in commercial decisions trumping public interest,” he added.

“As we saw when Serco was awarded North Link ferries contract, services will suffer and jobs will be cut in order to satisfy shareholders’ pockets.

“Rather than starting a new term in office by privatising more of Scotland’s transport system, the new Scottish government’s transport minister should take a stand and pledge to put the long-term future of a vital service ahead of short term profit, by keeping Cal Mac public.”