THE Isle of Man Government has “no intention whatsoever” of buying the Steam Packet Company and for the State to take over the operation of the Island’s ferry and freight services.
Chief Minister Tony Brown told this morning’s sitting of Tynwald that the controversial User Agreement had “worked well” up to this point and that the current situation since the introduction of a container service between Douglas and Liverpool by Mezeron should be “kept in context”.
Mr Brown was speaking in response to a series of questions posed by MHKs and MLCs on the day that a large number of Steam Packet staff staged a protest outside the Tynwald chamber before today’s sitting.
Responding to a question from East Douglas MHK Brenda Cannell about reassurances for the 300 staff employed by the Steam Packet Company, Mr Brown said, “We have an agreement with the Steam Packet Company and I am sure they will do all they can in this area.
“However, I must remind Members that the Isle of Man is a free market. We have got a situation here where another company is investing substantially and taking business away from the Steam Packet. I also understand that the Steam Packet Company may well be in a position to fight back and regain some of that lost business.”
Mr Brown said that there were “many factors” to take into consideration and reminded Tynwald that a meeting is due to take place next week with Steam Packet staff representatives and unions. He also said that the Office of Fair Trading was due to report on the situation imminently and added, “When we see that information we may well have a better understanding of the situation.”
Steam Packet staff spokesman Peter Jones sought assurances about the security of their jobs and asked for commitment from the Island’s politicians towards the Steam Packet’s “loyal and dedicated workforce.”
MHKs Bill Malarkey, Tim Crookall, Graham Cregeen and David Quirk faced a series of questions from the protestors outside the chamber, expressing serious concerns for their jobs and for the future of the lifeline ferry and freight services for the Isle of Man.
The MHKs reiterated the Chief Minister’s later statement that the Manx government had no intention of buying out the Steam Packet Company due to its enormous debts, but did say they thought the government should give the idea consideration “if the price was right”.
However, the protestors emphasised that their concerns were focused on the subject of redundancies and that the security of jobs for the 300 staff were the priority. Peter Jones added, “This is not about the User Agreement or the Steam Packet Company’s financial situation. This is about the jobs of our staff and nothing else.”
Meanwhile, the Department of Infrastructure said in a statement issued this morning that it will always act in the interests of the Manx people over the provision of a stable quality ferry and freight service for the Isle of Man.
Minister for Infrastructure Phil Gawne’s statement said that he and Members for Harbours David Callister MLC, Tim Crookall MHK, David Quirk MHK and Graham Cregeen MHK had met with the chairman and chief executive of Mezeron last week.
The statement said, “Both meetings were cordial and business-like but were an opportunity for a full and frank exchange of views and information.
“The Department sought to reassure both companies that it would act fairly and reasonably in managing Douglas Harbour but that it would also always act in the best interest of the Manx people.
“Dialogue will continue with both companies at political and operational levels to ensure that relevant issues are addressed promptly.
“The Department would wish to reassure Members that it is working closely with both Mezeron and the Steam Packet to ensure quality and stable services at reasonable prices.
