Plea on future of ferry services

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/6380733.stm

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Unions representing Calmac employees are demanding that Scotland's ferry services remain in public hands.

The maritime unions said the Scottish Executive's handling of the current tendering process was a waste of an estimated £17m of taxpayers money.

Caledonian MacBrayne is the only bidder left, but the unions warned that the firm was not guaranteed the contract.

The maritime unions have called for a meeting with ministers and drawn up a motion for the STUC conference.

They have raised serious concerns about the executive's service specification which it is believed could lead to fines of up to £5,000 for every 30 minute delay.

The unions, including Nautilus UK, have described that as an oppressive requirement which puts unacceptable commercial pressures on their members.