Minister accused of ripping up fair work agreement
The Islands Minister has been accused of ripping up a fair work agreement signed by the Scottish Government less than a year ago after he named Serco as the preferred bidder for a lifeline ferry contract.
The Scottish Greens Transport Spokesperson John Finnie MSP challenged Mr Wheelhouse in parliament this afternoon (24 Sep), after the government named the outsourcing giant as its choice to run the Northern Isles Ferry Services for the next eight years.
Mr Finnie described the government’s association with the “disreputable” company – who also run HMP Kilmarnock and the Caledonian Sleeper – and has a shocking industrial relations history as “disgraceful”.
Highlands and Islands MSP John Finnie said:
“The Scottish Government’s disgraceful decision to place the lifeline Northern Isles Ferry Services contract back into the hands of the disreputable Serco puts private profit before island communities. The Islands Minister has turned his back on the workers who deliver these vital services, in favour of a private company that wants to asset strip our public services. Serco’s industrial relations record is abysmal, and by offering them yet another public contract, the Scottish Government has effectively ripped up its commitment to fair work.”