JANUARY 2022
The Scottish Mariner The shipping newsletter for
members
Inside This Issue An update from Gordon Martin, Regional Organiser - P3 Michael McLeod writes on why he became an RMT representative - P4 Joe Kirby on the Borders Bill - P5 Mark Carden on Foreland Shipping and RFA - P9-12
General Secretary Mick Lynch writes on the issues facing Scottish seafarers Scotland’s maritime workers remain on the front line of the Covid crisis and I pay tribute to every single one of them. The commitment shown by our members, reps and officials at CalMac, NorthLink, Orkney Ferries, Stena Line, P&O, Tidewater, Forth Ports and elsewhere in the maritime sector has been second to none and must never be forgotten by employers. continued P2.
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As Scotland’s biggest maritime union, we have achieved our biggest results when our members have been fully engaged in the fight. From successfully making the case for public ownership and operation of the biggest public ferry contract in the UK, to increasing the number of Scottish Ratings on Modern Apprenticeships, I want to increase that engagement. That is why it is so frustrating to see problems mounting at CalMac which are entirely of the Scottish Government’s own making. Contingency planning should be central to these lifeline services and one large ferry breakdown should not send CalMac services into a tailspin. And I don’t need to tell you, our members, who bears the brunt of this failure, in the form of passenger frustration and working on vessels that should have been replaced years ago. RMT have consistently warned the Scottish Government since 2012 that a failure to invest in new ships will lead to serious capacity and resilience problems. A pandemic combined with the Ferguson Marine fiasco and the ageing fleet has brought forward the ‘perfect storm’ we warned-
Ministers would happen, especially on CalMac’s fleet of large and small ferries. Disruption and lack of resilience has even opened the door to anti-union operator Pentland Ferries and we are fighting against that in the new Scottish Parliament. In fact, this parliamentary session will be an absolutely vital one for Scotland’s seafarers and port workers. The Islands Connectivity Plan will be put out to consultation and it is already clear that the Scottish Government is seeking to procure more ferries and harbour infrastructure with less money. Securing our members futures on Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services is a collective priority over the next five years, during which the CHFS contract could be re-tendered again. I say could, because we will again be making the case to the Scottish Government for a direct award of this contract to CalMac, and to get that agreed and in place well before the end of the current contract in 2024.
public ownership as well as fighting for our members jobs in the transport and energy services which working class communities rely on. As your General Secretary I will campaign and fight alongside you in these ongoing campaigns and work tirelessly to help secure successful outcomes. With a fundamental energy transition underway, RMT is right at the centre of the debate on the quayside, in Holyrood and Westminster, arguing for local jobs on ships and in ports, as well as protecting the livelihoods of offshore oil and gas members in Scotland through a worker led Just Transition.
Wherever you work, RMT has got your back at sea and in port. I look forward to joining all members in the collective struggle to improve your working conditions.
RMT officials and members will be on the streets of Edinburgh at the end of January kick starting our campaign to keep Calmac in
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Regional Organiser's Update Gordon Martin
It’s been almost a year since the last edition of the Scottish Mariner which I never thought would have been the case when the February 2021 edition was sent out to maritime members. Since the last edition we have said goodbye to Mick Cash as General Secretary and welcomed Mick Lynch as the new GS and Eddie Dempsey as Assistant General Secretary. Covid -19 is still very much with us and has had major impacts on ships crews with operators such as Calmac having to implement a revised timetable due to over 10% of their staff being affected by Covid over the festive period. Throughout the last couple of years the pandemic has undoubtedly made it more difficult than usual to recruit and retain members as well as organise within the maritime sector. Shipboard and shoreside RMT representatives 3
have done a fantastic job over this period representing members and protecting members interests and I know this effort and commitment will continue in future. With maritime and offshore members making up almost one third of the membership within the Scottish Regional Council its probably even more important for us that the shipping branches remain as active as possible than it is in other parts of the country and the regular shipping organising strategy meetings we hold are invaluable in ensuring we address organising matters as a priority and I am absolutely sure the activists and representatives from shipping branches will be at the heart of our reviewed and renewed organising strategy for 2022 and beyond. It’s becoming increasingly clear that transport is in the firing line of
Government with a cuts agenda never far away from the politicians and the bosses minds .To resist all attacks on every front this union must be more united and pull together like never before in our proud history to defend all our interests and secure hard won jobs and terms and conditions are not smashed by the bosses looking to use the pandemic as a smoke screen to maintain and improve profits at your expense. Hopefully the worst of the pandemic is now behind us and more regular visits to vessels and other workplaces can be arranged as we head into spring and summer 2022 and I look forward to seeing you soon. In the meantime I hope you and your loved ones stay safe and well and that you enjoy reading this edition of the Scottish Mariner. Gordon Martin Regional Organiser gordon.martin@rmt.org.uk 07884 655 217
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Michael McLeod on why he became an RMT Rep at CalMac Recently onboard the vessel I work on, our Union Representative was shifted to another vessel necessitating an election to replace him. I put myself forward and was successful in getting a majority of union members to back me. I have been asked to write this piece to explain my decision to stand and why it is important that others do so. I have always believed that a union is a vital part of any workplace. A union provides a defensive mechanism when management tries to attack terms and conditions and a safety net when things go wrong. However, the Union is not just a last resort for when the going gets tough but should be an integral part of the workplace, helping to always create positive change. One example of this that springs to mind straight away is the long struggle by the RMT to create trainee positions with Calmac. The success of this can now be seen as we see more young people throughout the fleet choosing to make Seafaring their chosen career. If we want to have our own jobs in 20 years it is crucial, we continue training the next generation to help replace those who are retiring in increasing numbers. Personally, the reason I chose to stand was because if the RMT is to function as a member-led union it is critical that members stand up and put themselves forward for roles. I was brought up to believe that if you are unhappy, you must stick your head above the parapet and try to sort the issue. Stting in a mess room bitching about it may make you feel better during smoko but does nothing to resolve the issue. There is no point being a union rep if you are not willing to accept that you are representing every single RMT member on your vessel and you have a duty to them to raise issues that may ruffle feathers amongst those up top. Your loyalty must always be to your union comrades, not to a company's bottom line. I would urge anyone who wishes to improve their workplace to put themselves forward next time there is a position to be filled. It is easy to sit and deride those who do step forward – if you think you can do better step up. We are all in the same boat and as the old N.U.S slogan put it; we all need to “Pull Together”.
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Joe Kirby, RMT NEC Member, on the Nationality and Borders Bill
Back in July of last year, the union began a campaign to defend seafarers right to rescue people at sea. The union was rightly alarmed and horrified at the actions of the Government in attempting to bring in this piece of legislation to undermine both Article 98 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) and also V33 of the IMO Safety of Life at Sea. These place an obligation by international law (which the UK is bound by) on masters and crew to rescue those in distress at sea.In essence, this Tory government was now threatening seafarers our members with imprisonment for upholding international law. We couldn't let this go unnoticed and began to challenge it because of the potential impact it could have on our all our members at sea. 5
The initial campaign raised 5 key areas needing to be addressed in order for the union to politically begin to attack the proposed legislation: • Raise this issue with our parliamentary group convener at Westminster • Bring to the attention of both the UN & IMO via letter • Begin utilising the unions vast expertise in planning for a high profile political campaign • Issue a press release on this as a matter of urgency • Send a letter to the secretary of state for transport The union then began its campaign with political questions being asked , lobbying taking place, and canvassing of politicians because failing to address this issue would result in the Tory government putting you in a position that you could end up in jail.
On the 6th of January the announcement was made. Seafarers will be exempted from criminal prosecution for helping rescue people at sea, the government's backtrack and a new amendment to the legislation is a substantial change and offers seafarers the required reassurance that they will not be criminalised for carrying out their professional duties and legal responsibilities under international conventions. The unions fear was that the original wording of the bill implied a blanket criminal offence, with no carveout or defences. However, now the Nationality and Borders Bill targets ruthless criminal gangs who put lives at risk by smuggling people across the Channel and not seafarers undertaking working duties . So when your non members ask what the union does for you tell them: Kept you out of jail!
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An update from the Scottish Regional Council - Jim Gray As Regional Council Secretary part of my role is to ensure branches and activists receive the support they need to build our union through recruitment and retention initiatives and any other organising efforts as deemed necessary by the branches, Regional Council or the Regional Organiser. I fully support the regular Shipping Organising Strategy meetings held under the banner of the Regional Council and I am proud to be the Secretary of the Regional Council with by far the largest number of maritime members.
RMT members unveil a banner for Bob Crow Organising Week on the summit of Ben Nevis
The maritime sector is of great importance in Scotland Regional Council sphere of influence which includes our seafaring and docker members in Belfast Shipping Branch. It’s clear that the bosses will be looking to attack terms and conditions across all industries the union organise in over the next few years and the Regional Council will be at the forefront of resisting these attacks on the rail, maritime, transport and offshore energy sectors.
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"We are already fighting on all fronts. Organising seafarers into our union is our starting point." Alan Pottage
RMT representatives and officials are already dealing with the attacks on jobs and conditions. Many seafarers have suffered in the last year through no fault of their own. Unscrupulous employers intend to take advantage of these uncertain times and try drive home changes that could set us back for a long time. The only way we can resist this and defend workers is to be as strongly organised as possible. That means there can be no hiding place for seafarers who are not members of the RMT. We need to stand together now more than ever. There are no neutrals in the workplace. Every single seafarer needs to play their part. 7
Membership of RMT is not just about your own protection . Membership is about combining with your workmates. It’s about creating a collective force. It’s about pulling together, to use an old NUS slogan. We stand together and face you to adversity. I am from the Port of Leith and my family were mineworkers going back to the days of serfdom. Trade union principles were part of my life growing up and these principles have served me well in my 39 years active service in RMT. These principles are the same for a lot of us. However times have changed and we now need to reach out to new generations of seafarers and take time to
explain the benefits of that membership brings. We are not some form of a workplace insurance policy but a vibrant collective of workers with common interests . We are not a monument looking back on the past - we are a movement moving into the future. It is essential that we are strongly organised because without that strength of membership you do not bargain - you beg!
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Organising for RMT, your future in your hands Donald Graham As we look to move out of Covid restriction we need to develop and reinvigorate our organising strategy to be in a position to make the most of any easing of restrictions. The main part of any Organising strategy is going to be increased activity getting out to the Ships Harbours, Docks to recruit , inform and campaign on the issues. We will be working on this strategy in a structured, researched and focused way, reaching out to members and potential members working in organised and unorganized workplaces. Support and participation in organising activity from RMT members will be crucial to our ability to improve membership and organization to win the fights on pay, conditions and job security. You can play your part. Do you think your workplace could have a better RMT presence? Would you want to help get your workplace RMT Organised? Are you interested in getting involved helping RMT Recruit and Organise across all the Maritime sectors? If you have answered yes to any one of the questions above, you will need help and support to make it happen. Give me, Donald Graham, a shout on 07753 748074 or e-mail d.graham@rmt.org.uk.
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Mark Carden, RMT Assistant National Secretary, with an update on issues at Foreland Shipping
Foreland Shipping through AW Crewing have made 2 offers to RMT members over pay. The RMT submitted a comprehensive pay document to Foreland shipping with members demands clearly outlined. Although we are still being advised by the company that they have enhanced the communication and WiFi packages available onboard, the members feedback is that it is still not up-to a decent standard expected in 2021. Considering crew are away from home for 2-3 months and the ships are always abroad deep sea apart from when they are in port, it is important RMT members are able to contact their families and have access to the internet on a regular basis to conduct every day9
issues such as banking etc. and domestic problem solving. (Also union communication and direct contact whilst away) There is a firm disagreement between the company and the union on the internet quality, however we have agreed to discuss this separately so not to delay any imminent pay increases. We have agreed to discuss this at our next ‘Partnership At Work’ (PAW) meeting in 2022 which we are currently arranging. After negotiations and feedback from Foreland Reps and members they have overwhelmingly responded in favour of the 3 year deal on offer which will take us up-to the end of the Foreland/MOD strategic lift contract ending 2024. This will give stability to members and their personal
finance budgets. The 3 year offer is based on AWE (September KAC 3) with a guaranteed minimum safety net of minimum 1% if inflation falls below 1% again. I am pleased to advise that the first year of the deal for 2022 will start with a 5.9% immediate salary increase which is an above inflation negotiated pay increase for all RMT members at Foreland Shipping. Also an improvement in the sickness terms & conditions from 12 weeks full pay to 16 weeks full pay and a long tour bonus of £25 per day which will be triggered if seafarers unexpectedly have to go beyond a 105 day trips due to COVID-19.
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RFA Update Please find below a recent letter sent to RFA commodore David Eagles on MOD/RN ‘Transformation’ which will update RFA members in Scotland on current concerns RMT have at RFA. The RMT General Secretary will be meeting the RFA commodore within the next month to discuss these issues and the wider RFA future.
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Branch Awards Alistair McArthur receiving his 40 year membership award from Brian Reynolds, Branch Chair. It was an honour for the branch to present Ali with his award and thank him for all the support and activism he has given the Glasgow shipping branch over the years Congratulations to Alistair on his 40 year service!.
Orlando Delgado, Engine Watch rating at CalMac, receiving his 10 year award from Graham Wallace, Glasgow Shipping Branch Secretary. Congratulations to Orlando on a decade of service!
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Useful Contacts GLASGOW OFFICE 180 Hope Street Glasgow G2 2UE 0141 332 1117 ABERDEEN OFFICE 106 Crown Street Aberdeen AB11 6HJ 01224 582 688
ABERDEEN SHIPPING A3@RMT.ORG.UK BELFAST SHIPPING Danny McQuaid B7@RMT.ORG.UK GLASGOW SHIPPING Graham Wallace glasgowshipping@rmt.org.uk OBAN SHIPPING John McDonald obanshipping@rmt.org.uk
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