RMT Backs Ardrossan Harbour Takeover Plan for Investment Security

The union wants public control of Ardrossan Harbour. This will secure investment, and CalMac ferry services will also be protected. Workers and locals will gain certainty.

The union represents ferry workers and criticized Peel Ports, the harbour owners. They want long-term facility investment. A spokesperson described Peel Ports’ actions.

They extracted millions after privatization, and infrastructure consequently suffered decline, according to the spokesperson. The Irish Berth closed because of safety issues. Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services are also being undermined due to private profit motives.

Ardrossan is the only private port on CHFS. Public control would ensure long-term investment there and secure CalMac services. This provides certainty for workers and local communities.

Mick Lynch, RMT General Secretary, says ministers must deliver full public ownership because this step is vital, he mentions. Scotland’s ferry system must help workers and passengers.

Private profit should not drive it, and shareholders should not receive dividends first. Private groups have taken vital resources for too long and neglected essential maintenance as well. Workers and passengers face the consequences.

A publicly run Ardrossan Harbour reinvests all money. It improves services and upgrades infrastructure. This secures economic stability, which will be long-term for the region.