Further disruption could be on the cards for the Cumbrae ferry service after talks between a trade union and Cal Mac show no sign of being resolved any time soon.

The RMT union has warned that further industrial action cannot be ruled out ahead of two days of ‘last-ditch’ negotiations over Wednesday and Thursday of this week.

Union leaders have said that finding common ground on the issues of jobs and working conditions had been slow in discussions held last week with the Scottish Government and CalMac.

In a circular to CalMac members, RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “It is fair to say that the talks so far have been difficult and we are concerned that the emphasis seems to be on what can’t and won’t be done rather that what can be done to solve this dispute, particularly from CalMac.

“This is bitterly disappointing as your union suspended the industrial action in good faith to allow these talks to take place.

“The RMT has made every effort to secure a series of very basic assurances over no compulsory redundancies, staffing levels, conditions of service and pensions, but to no avail.

“Unless there is more movement from the company in these talks, then further industrial action cannot be ruled out.” CalMac Managing Director, Martin Dorchester said: “We are very disappointed that the trade unions have decide to take this stance publicly while talks are ongoing. It is hardly in the spirit of working towards a mutually acceptable conclusion that will avoid further damaging action.

“To be crystal clear CalMac Ferries has not sought to change any existing terms and conditions. Our colleagues have excellent terms and conditions and strong collective bargaining agreements that support them.

“The best way of protecting this is to work with us to win the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Service contract. I would urge all parties to keep talking to resolve our differences so we can work together towards this common goal.”