Strike action on Red Funnel’s cross-Solent service has been postponed as the company reaches a potential agreement with Unite the Union in the continued row over pay.
It has been confirmed that discussions over the past week have led to an agreement, which is now being put forward to union members to vote on.
The offer put forward by Red Funnel is recommended for approval by Unite the Union, with the results of a ballot expected on Bank Holiday Monday.
In the meantime, strikes scheduled for tomorrow (Tuesday), Friday and Monday have been called off. It means that 120 staff members will return to work as normal, however, if the deal is rejected further strike action will be scheduled.
Fran Collins, Chief Executive at Red Funnel, said:
“We are pleased to have reached a potential agreement with Unite the Union following discussions over the past week, ensuring our valued teams can be recognised and rewarded.
“As a lifeline service, it has been essential that we considered the sustainability of the business throughout our discussions, during a period of rising fuel costs and the post-pandemic recovery.
“Our offer – which has been recommended by Unite the Union – will now go to the ballot papers to allow members to vote. We expect the ballot results to be published by Monday 29th August During the ballot process industrial action will be postponed. Scheduled industrial action on Tuesday 23rd August, Friday 26th August and Monday 29th August will no longer take place and, please refer to our website for the latest travel information.
Article continues below this advertisement “We are fully committed to doing all we can to ensure maximum travel choice and connectivity for island residents, visitors and businesses, promoting the long-term success of the Island economy.”
Unite regional officer, Ian Woodland, has said:
“Following an improved offer from Red Funnel, strike action has been suspended. Our members will now be balloted on the new offer.”
Up go the fares to pay for it…..more pay equal more inflation…
don’t know why you’re getting thumbs down when you speak the truth
cost inflation = price inflation as profit percentage is stabilised
and when less people use the ferries because it’s so expensive, then fares go up even more to maintain profit and/or unprofitable ferry sailings are removed
No union wants to strike it’s always a last resort. We are pleased to have reached a potential agreement with Unite the Union following discussions over the past week, ensuring our valued teams can be recognised and rewarded. But only after we tried to sharft them first,
Lucky people have a job for life, there will never ever be an alternative means of travel other than using wightlink, or your own aircraft or boat, the deluded bleat about tunnels and bridges in their never never land.. thats not happening!
A job for life is not a privilege, It is a Right !
What would you know about it, Alamo?
Get back in your pram.
excellent news, strength in unity brothers & sisters
Why the thumbs down ? Oh, I forgot, this is the ISLE OF SCABS.
Now wait and watch the fares go up…….
As if the fares would not go up anyway, maybe slightly less profit for the shareholders,
but i doubt it.
Agree Chris, any more increases they will and have already shot themselves in the foot I bet islanders using there vehicles on the ferries has surely been a lot less than previous years due to stupid prices ,,, stupid putting it nicely
It’s probably freight and mainland people who are the main payers .
I’ve not taken my car on the ferries from the island for a few years , i Tavel by foot and hire a car for the day or 2 much cheaper if you know where to shop so to speak
Will it be a pay increase, then with a cut in hours and everyday bag searches when you leave your shift. Welcome to the Isle of Shaft, oh no I mean Wight, sorry. After all most companies have a whole heap of shareholders and many of the upper dictatorship are on fat bonuses that are kept oh so secret.