Press Release
Launch Service agreement signed
The Council and Trade Union UNITE this morning formally signed a deal that will modernise the pilot launch service provided at Sullom Voe. It effectively concludes a lengthy negotiation process on new terms and conditions and brings launch service staff into the Council’s Single Status agreement.
As well as signing the agreement, the service announced new shift systems that will start on 1 April. This will see the launch crew and pilotage services being delivered by 21 men instead of 32 and will bring the total year on year savings delivered by the Ports for the Future project to around £875,000.
This latest agreement is part of the Council’s “Ports for the Future” project, which was established in July 2009. That project has a remit to:
- reverse the trend of year on year reductions in the income from Ports and Harbours Operations;
- contribute towards a sustainable future for the Port of Sullom Voe and
- harmonise terms and conditions of Marine Staff through the introduction of Single Status.
Speaking this morning, Executive Director of Infrastructure Services, Gordon Greenhill said that the agreement was an “important part “of the Council’s wider ports modernisation programme. “I think most folk are aware that the Council has to look at ways of delivering the harbour operations at Sullom Voe more efficiently and at reduced cost. We also have a legal requirement to apply Single Status terms and conditions to everyone who works for the Council. That’s the backdrop against which we’ve been working through the Ports for the Future project.
“The negotiations have taken some time to conclude, but I think that today’s signing is an important step towards achieving the aims we were set by the Council. The savings we’ve delivered so far are very significant for the Council and the wider Shetland community”.
The Ports for the Future Project will continue to support the changes as they are introduced. However, the team will work with staff and unions in the Ports Towage Service in order to complete the introduction of the Single Status terms and achieve Council’s economic targets.
Project Timeline and highlights:
- July 2009 – Ports for the Future Project initiated
- September 2009 – Project Team established
- September 2009- April 2010 examination of modernisations and efficiencies
- April 2010 – December 2010 Staff consultation and negotiation
- April 2011 – Implementation of new terms and conditions for Pilots, VTS and Launch Crew
- Total year on year saving as a result of changes to the operation of the Port to date are in the region of £875,000.