The last news about Tallink Strike

Tension between Estonian seamen union and Tallink increases

BC, Tallinn, 15.01.2014.

http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/transport/&doc=86325

After an one-hour strike, held by a trade union of seamen of Estonia's vessels this Monday from 13:30 to 14:30, relationships between the parties involved in the labor dispute, concerning wage increase to crews of vessels sailing with Estonian flags, deteriorated, the Estonian national broadcasting ERR reported on Wednesday, cites LETA.

According to State Conciliator Henn Pärn, the Estonian Independent Trade Union of Seamen (EMSA) and the ferry company Tallink, which employs approximately 1,400 of 2,000 members of EMSA, could face a battle due to the lack of compromise. The parties are still far from reaching the consensus on the wage rise for employees, who do not refuse from their intention to get their wages increased by 15%.

As reported, around 150 people gathered in front of the D-terminal in Port of Tallinn on Thursday to demand a higher wage increase from Estonia-based ferry company Tallink. They chanted slogans, held speeches and marched through the terminal. EMSA's head Jüri Lember said that the warning strike sent a clear message to the employer about the determination of the ship crews. However, Tallink Group pointed out that demands have to be reasonable, then the company can fulfil them, and this year, 5.5-percent wage increase would be optimal.

Pärn was quoted by Estonian national broadcasting by saying that each party used the one-hour afternoon strike for its own spin purposes, saying: "There aren't any problems with legality, but it's more about ethics, how the partners talk to one another. It appears to me that any good relationship has been destroyed and it's like they are at war."

As reported, Tallink met with State Arbitrator Henn Pärn on Tuesday.

EMSA said that the strike showed determination of Tallink's staff.

Discussions between EMSA and Tallink last since September, however, the parties have not reached any agreement.

Estonian seamen trade union launched a strike

BC, Tallinn, 14.01.2014.

http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/transport/&doc=86212

The Estonian Seamen's Independent Union (EMSA) strike was held yesterday from 13:30 to 14:30, the Estonian national broadcasting corporation ERR said in a statement, cites LETA.

However, it didn’t result in any cancellations in either the Tallinn or Helsinki direction, Tallink Group's representatives said. At the same time, delays are possible; therefore, passengers were asked to arrive on time.

Few of crew members of fast ships Star and Superstar plan took part in the strike; still they will return to performing their duties before the departure, which is scheduled at 14.00.

The evening Tallinn-Stockholm-Tallinn lines were not affected by the strike, which is protesting what the union says are insufficient pay raises, ERR writes.

ESMA's representatives demand fair pays for crew of those ships which sail with Estonian flags. However, currently the smallest wage totals 667 euros, which could be decreased by ten percent during a trial period. EMSA demands a pay rise by at least 15%.

Discussions between EMSA and Tallink last since September, however, the parties have not reached any agreement.

EMSA comprises in excess of 2,000 members, of them more than 1400 work for Tallink Grupp.

Tallink employees to hold a warning strike

BC, Tallinn, 13.01.2014.

A one-hour warning strike will take place on board ships of the Estonian passenger shipping company Tallink on Monday since the trade union of seamen is not satisfied with the wage talks; the strike won't affect Tallink's shipping traffic much, LETA/Public Broadcasting reports.

The warning strike takes place at 13.30-14.30.

 http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/transport/&doc=86169

The company announced that no scheduled trip will be cancelled as the result and the departures from Tallinn and Helsinki at that time should take place as scheduled.

Tallink asked all passengers to come to the port earlier though since due to the strike, it may take longer for passengers to get on board ships. In the worst case scenario, the departure of ships may be delayed by a half an hour.

Ship crews continue to work on board ships that are at sea at the time of the strike but there may be problems concerning consuming on-board services.

Around 400-500 crew members are expected to participate in the strike.

Today the lowest wage rate of ship crew of Tallink's ships is 667 euros per month. Estonian Independent Trade Union of Seamen (EMSA) demands that the basic wages of all ship crew members grew at least by 15%. Wage talks between EMSA and Tallink have lasted since September last year but without results.