News
A ferry strike leaves three islands without fresh food
Shops on the outer islands ran out of milk and vegetables on day four. The crews say the dispute is about safety rotas, not pay.
World affairs reporter
5 min read
The morning ferry has not left the harbour since Thursday.
By Sunday the only fresh produce on the largest of the three islands was what residents grew themselves. The shop shelves held tins, flour and a handwritten sign: next delivery unknown.
The ferry crews walked out after the operator cut one crew member from each sailing.
A dispute about who is on board
The operator says the smaller crews meet the legal minimum and save the service from cuts. The union says the minimum was written for calm summer crossings, not autumn storms with a full car deck.
Nobody here is against the crews. We just need someone to talk to them before the school runs out of food for lunches.
A fishing cooperative has started carrying essentials on its own boats, two crates at a time. The regional council has asked both sides to meet on Tuesday.
What islanders are asking for
Residents want an emergency sailing for food and medicine while talks continue. The operator has offered one on Monday, if the crews agree to staff it.
Amara Diallo
World affairs reporter
Amara reports on trade, borders and the places the world economy passes through.
