ARRAN businesses breathed a sigh of relief yesterday after the CalMac ferry dispute was resolved with union RMT saying it had secured 'the best possible deal' for members.

RMT says there will be no further strikes on CalMac or Argyll Ferries services after they reached an agreement with Scottish Government ministers guranteeing their current pension package regardless of who wins the new ferries contract.

The deal, following four days of talks by union representatives, the Scottish Government, and CalMac will also protect members' current terms and conditions and secures their employment, say RMT.

It means a potential strike by CalMac managers and ticket office staff, represented by TSSA, has been called off.

Public sector operator CalMac has been shortlisted along with private firm Serco to run the service from October 2016 leading to accusations of 'privatisation by the back door'.

General Secretary Mick Cash said: "Thanks to the hard work of our negotiators we have reached a clear agreement on the key issues which enables us to settle this dispute.

"I want to pay tribute to the solidarity and determination of our members which has enabled us to secure this agreement and I also want to thank the local communities who have supported us in this fight.

"Although the dispute is over the fight to retain the lifeline ferry services in the public sector continues."

The agreement means the tendering process, halted earlier this month, will now resume.

Martin Dorchester, managing director of CalMac Ferries said: “We can confirm that we have been able to conclude talks with the RMT and the TSSA and that their concerns have been addressed.

"Further strike action was in no one's interests.

“I'd like to recognise the positive engagement and support of all our unions in achieving this position.

“Now is the time for everyone at CalMac to start focusing 100 per cent on successfully winning the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Service contract.

"This is the best way of not only ensuring long term protection for our employees but also of securing the quality lifeline services we provide to the communities we serve.

"We are the best company to deliver these services and I look forward to working with all our colleagues to achieve this goal.” Transport Minister Derek Mackay said: “All parties involved in the talks have worked hard to find a solution and I am very pleased an agreement has now been reached that ends the threat of further strike action.

“Nowhere will this news be welcomed more than in our islands and we must now return our focus on delivering these vital ferry services for the communities that depend on them.

“The agreement also means that the tendering process for the next [Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services] contract will continue, with the Initial Invitation To Tender set to issue on July 31."