TSSA pleased with CalMac contract decision

Transport and travel union TSSA has hailed as ‘reassuring’ the decision of the Scottish Government to directly award the running of west coast ferry services to CalMac. 

CalMac Ferries, which is in public hands, will continue to run the Clyde and Hebridean Ferry Service (CHFS). The existing contract was due to expire last September but had been extended a year.  

Commenting, TSSA General Secretary, Maryam Eslamdoust said: “This is a reassuring move from the Scottish Government because such vital public services must be in public hands. It is good news for our members, CalMac Staff, and for the Islanders. 

“I’m delighted Ministers have again listened to the advice of our unions and made a direct award to CalMac to run the Clyde and Hebrides Ferries Services once more. 

“A public tendering exercise would have been a waste of taxpayers' money which would be better put to use renovating and replacing CalMac’s fleet.”