News / Ferry strikes continue
SHETLAND Islands Council has issued details of disruptions to ferry sailings on Wednesday as a result of continued strike action by ferry mates belonging to the Unite trade union.
Services from 6am will be disrupted, with the first ferry on the Lerwick-Bressay route leaving Bressay at 8.50am. The first Bluemull Sound run of the day will leave Gutcher at 9.30am, while Yell Sound will be up and running from Ulsta at 9.15am. The Whalsay service will leave Symbister at 9.15am.
Because it is Up Helly Aa week, Wednesday is a public holiday – meaning there will be a single vessel on the Bluemull Sound, Yell Sound and Whalsay routes, while there will be no ferry to Skerries or Papa Stour.
The industrial dispute over pay grades has been rumbling for several months, and Unite confirmed earlier this month that action would commence after arbitration failed to find a resolution.
Ferry mates’ first three-hour walkout took place last Wednesday, and the walkout period is set to be extended to six hours on the first two Wednesdays in February.
- Full details about Wednesday’s disruption are available on the local authority’s website here.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.