LAST-DITCH talks are taking place today between bosses of Scottish Western Isles ferry service CalMac and seafarers’ union RMT.

Ferry workers fear that the Scottish government’s bid to award privateers a franchise contract for the service will mean job losses and attacks on pay and conditions.

They staged a 24-hour strike on June 26, halting two-thirds of the 27 daily ferry services between the islands and the Scottish mainland.

Industrial action was suspended for talks to take place.

But RMT general secretary Mick Cash told members there had been little progress yesterday.

“Members will be aware that we are still in dispute with CalMac/Argyll Ferries over various assurances which were being sought prior to the tendering exercise which you and your union still oppose,” he said.

“I can report that discussions have taken place last week with both the Scottish government and CalMac.

“It is fair to say that the talks so far have been difficult and we are concerned that the emphasis seems to be on what can’t and won’t be done rather than what can be done to solve this dispute, particularly from CalMac.

“This is bitterly disappointing, as your union suspended the industrial action in good faith to allow these talks to take place.

“The RMT has made every effort to secure a series of very basic assurances over no compulsory redundancies, staffing levels, conditions of service and pensions, but to no avail.”

Mr Cash said further industrial action “cannot be ruled out.”