The well attended meeting heard from RMT General Secretary Bob Crow and National Maritime Secretary Steve Todd along with other trade union and community speakers.
RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said today
"Last night’s meeting is just the first of a number that we will be organising around the Highlands and Islands as we ramp up the campaign to defend Scottish ferries from cuts and privatisation.
"We know that there is a hidden agenda to cut routes, sell off profitable services and jack up fares - we will fight alongside the public to stop those moves in their tracks. If the politicians think we will sit back while these vital services are hacked back or flogged off to help bail out the bankers financial crisis they have got another thing coming.
"RMT will mobilise a massive political campaign that will force MSP's and parliamentary candidates to oppose any cuts or be exposed at the ballot box if they fail to back us on this issue.
"RMT will also ballot for industrial action if there is any attempt to cut the pay or working conditions of our members and if there is any attack on their pension rights."
ENDS
Further information:
Geoff Martin
07831 465 103
0207 255 9146
