CALMAC: GREER WELCOMES SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC SECTOR STATUS
Ross Greer, the Scottish Greens' lead candidate for West of Scotland in 2016, today welcomed an opinion poll showing support for keeping ferry services in the public sector.
Almost two-thirds of Scottish voters say Caledonian MacBrayne services should remain in public hands. The poll, by Survation, also says almost six out of 10 people support the right of CalMac staff to take industrial action over staffing levels, jobs and pensions.
A tendering process is underway that could see routes change hands from the publicly-owned company to private firm Serco.
Ross Greer said:
"Scottish Greens support Calmac workers and their union, who are rightly concerned for jobs and conditions, and the vital public service they provide to coastal and island communities. This opinion poll underlines the strength of public feeling.
"It is welcome to hear that the tendering process has been delayed to allow further negotiation on key issues. We will continue to press the Scottish Government to ensure that workers and local communities are given the reassurances they deserve."