STRIKE action at coastguard stations across Scotland continued today in the latest of a series of disputes over pay.
Members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union at the country's five control centres are taking part in the UK-wide 48-hour strike in protest at a below-inflation pay rise.
The union said a skeleton staff was on duty at most stations, r
esponding to 999 distress calls only.
Forth Coastguard Station was completely closed, with calls being diverted to Aberdeen and today all calls to Clyde Coastguard were being handled by the control centre in Belfast. Demonstrations are planned on the picket lines in Greenock and Aberdeen.
The union said the stoppage, which began last night, could close about half of the UK's 19 coastguard centres.
Stuart Atkinson, of the PCS union, said their members had been left with no alternative but to strike.
"Coastguard officers are paid substantially less than others in the emergency services.
"This is a complete withdrawal of labour, a full-blown strike and we are asking our members not to attend work.
"What we want is for the Government to provide funding so we can work towards a settlement.
A spokesman for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said they were "absolutely committed" to maintaining the safety of life at sea despite the ongoing action. He added that contingency plans were being drawn up and reminded those going to sea this weekend that they should take the same routine safety precautions.
The spokeswoman said high pay settlements would increase inflationary pressures, which could lead to an increase in interest rates.
The full article contains 277 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
