Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne’s parent company, David MacBrayne, has been accredited by the Poverty Alliance on behalf of the Living Wage Foundation.
The organisation has committed to paying its 1,450 staff the hourly living wage rate of £7.85, including all employees at Argyll Ferries.
Caledonian MacBrayne has also made a commitment to ensure that its regular contractors comply with the living wage.
The organisation is the first major transport company in Scotland and the first ferry operator in the UK to earn the accreditation.
Martin Dorchester, managing director of Caledonian MacBrayne, said: “It is absolutely right and proper that Caledonian MacBrayne’s employees should earn a living wage.
“It is something we were already doing with our staff and gaining accreditation simply formalises our commitment to this.
“In an ideal world, [organisations] should not have to wear a badge to let others know they are doing the right thing by staff, but if by wearing this badge Caledonian MacBrayne can persuade others to follow suit and reward their staff properly, then this can only be a good thing.”
The living wage rate of £7.85 an hour is based on the cost of living in the UK. It is distinct from the national living wage announced by the government in the Summer Budget. This will begin at £7.20 an hour from April 2016, with the aim of reaching £9 by 2020. The national living wage only applies to workers aged 25 and over.