Strike is about union leader’s ego, says Scott

Shetlanders are being held to ransom in the first shipping strike since 1966,  says MSP Tavish Scott.

He accused  RMT boss Bob Crow of gloating over the inconvenience being caused to Islanders and urged those involved to thrash out a resolution this weekend.

Mr Scott said: “Why is this strike taking place? Shetland families face huge inconvenience and cost to satisfy Bob Crow’s enormous ego. The Scottish Government must force the union and the employer to sort this out and stop any more disruption to The Northern Isles’ lifeline ferry services.

“After all, Serco wanted 36 voluntary redundancies.  36 staff members have accepted a package from their employer.  Some have already left.  So no compulsory redundancies of any staff are happening.  Islanders don’t know why the strike is taking place.

“Shetland hasn’t faced this situation since 1966.  Islanders are fed up of being held to ransom and I expect those responsible – the union, government and employer – to get this sorted out this weekend.”