Press Release
Interim agreement on tugs, a step closer
Councillors at this afternoon’s Executive Committee meeting agreed to lift the 12-week notice period that was issued to tug staff in August.
Phil Crossland, Director of Infrastructure said, “We have had productive meetings with the staff Trade Union representatives over the past few weeks as part of our efforts to find a resolution to the ongoing dispute. Today’s decision means that the issue which led to the ballot for strike action has effectively been removed. We will now continue with our negotiations with the aim of reaching an agreement on a number of issues that will ensure the service continues to be delivered whilst achieving significant savings in operating costs for the Council”.
He continued, “I am delighted that we have reached an amicable resolution to this problem, which will mean the port remains open for business as usual. However as the detail of that agreement has yet to be finalised, both the Council and the Trade Union involved have agreed that it wouldn’t be appropriate to comment further at this stage”.
Unite Branch Chairman John Halcrow responded, “Negotiations have been very constructive. The union will now revert back to the membership with the details.” He continued, “following the Council’s decision to cancel the 90-day Notice issued to our members, the threat of industrial action will be lifted.”