TSSA signs updated Stena Line union recognition agreement

Transport and travel union TSSA has signed an updated recognition agreement with international ferry operator, Stena Line.

The new deal, covering staff in administrative and clerical posts in locations around Britain builds on the strong existing relationship between the union and the company.

The Recognition and Procedural Agreement is for Stena Line Ltd, Stena Line Irish Ferries Ltd and Stena Line Manning Services Ltd.

Stena Line is a Swedish-owned global ferry operator. It is one of the largest ferry operators in the world, with services to Britain, Ireland, Holland, France and many European countries.

TSSA is the sole trade union with bargaining and representation rights for Stena clerical and administrative staff in Britain, along with other shore-based staff that are not dockers or managers.

Commenting, TSSA Interim General Secretary, Frank Ward, said: “I’m delighted our union has signed this updated recognition agreement with Stena Line.

“We have a solid relationship with the company going back more than thirty years and this is now set to continue. This shows how much the company values our members.

“The new agreement provides a basis for Stena to share its vision for the company and its workforce, whilst working with our union’s representatives to maximise the opportunities available to our members in an environment of mutual respect.”

Andrew Shaw, Stena Line’s Group Head of Industrial Relations, said: “We have worked well with TSSA to achieve optimum outcomes for TSSA’s bargaining group and the company. Having a refreshed and modern Recognition Agreement in place is a welcome next step on the continuing journey.”

Signing formalities took place at Stena’s offices in London (15 November). TSSA was represented by Frank Ward and Organiser Natalie Feeley and for Stena - Andrew Shaw (Stena Line’s Group Head of Industrial Relations) as well as Fiona Paton (Employee Relations Manager) and David Tinkler Industrial Relations Manager, Irish Sea.