TALLINN- Members of the Estonian Seamen's Independent Union announced
their dissatisfaction with the Tallink ferry company and announced their
intention to strike. Board members are demanding equal treatment for all
employees as well as increased safety.
Negotiations of wage were started in November of 2007, and
have still yet to be resolved. Employees and members of the union complain that
despite the rising cost of living, Tallink has made no effort to increase wages
or benefits. This goes against the company's 1997 contract which states that
employees pay raises would be equal to the raising of the minimum wage in Estonia.
The strike is set to take place on Monday August 04, for one
hour aboard all Tallink ships, operational or not. Employees apologize in
advance for any in conveniences this may cause to passengers, but hope that it
will raise awareness to the problems.
The seafarers union has over 200 members, the majority of whom
work on Tallink ships.
