Shipping unions slam new shipping line

Shipping unions say they're prepared to fight an aggressive attempt to undermine the Steam Packet.

RMT says Ellan Vannin Line’s proposals for a new freight and passenger service could affect services, jobs and working conditions.

It believes new controls need to be brought in to prevent unfair competition saying it is based on low-cost foreign crews and flags of convenience ships.

RMT says the new shipping line will be introduced at the expense of fairly paid and rewarded jobs and claims 300 Steam Packet jobs will be at risk.