Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil also made an appeal for the RMT to postpone Friday’s strike, amid fears for the local economy.
Mr MacNeil said: “We do not want to see a situation on Friday when government-owned Caledonian MacBrayne has its Hebridean boats tied up while the privately run Serco sails to Northern Isles, perhaps even with RMT members amongst their crew.
“I am happy, along with other politicians to meet with the RMT at Westminster if we can be of any assistance to their ends, as I along with other politicians in the Highlands and islands, want to see CalMac retain this contract but I am struggling to see how this strike helps that end.”
Mr MacNeil said that that the Barra marathon – known as the Barrathon – expected 300 runners, the majority from the mainland.
He added: “I have also been contacted from many people in Lewis, Harris and Uist who have had their travel plans disrupted and are angry at the economic damage this is doing. Islanders have also dealt with a winter of bad weather and ferry disruptions however this adds to those difficult experiences and disruption.
“Currently islanders have a lot of sympathy for the situation and, in the main, support CalMac retaining their contract and this goodwill should be further built on by the RMT, however, I struggle to see how this is helping their cause.”
He added that CalMac’s suspension of the booking system had not helped.