Fred. Olsen has suspended its proposed job cuts, thus preventing the possibility of a strike. The decision was taken at a meeting last week with union representatives. The changes would have affected about 400 positions within the fleet - 25% of the workforce based on land.
Alfonso Gomez, for the company, confirmed that further meetings were planned to develop future negotiations. Although the company and employees left open the timing of the discussions, both sides are confident they can get alternative formulae for the company to continue operations by the last week of October "at the latest."
Gomez reiterated yesterday that the business lines "are profitable" and noted that 75% of the income for group Fred. Olsen came from the area of shipping.
For that reason, trade unionists will seek "alternatives for these other company activities" without ruling that the corrective measures to include in the viability plan will include job cuts in those areas.
Gomez also discussed possible changes in the frequency of routes covering the islands.
The company confirmed that the eventual change in hours will be managed through a process "parallel" to agreement being reached on labour matters.
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