Plans for potential industrial action involving Wightlink staff have been shelved following an agreement between the cross-Solent ferry operator and the RMT union.
It has been confirmed this afternoon (Tuesday) that the RMT has officially withdrawn its ballot for industrial action and is no longer in dispute with the company. In return, Wightlink has withdrawn its original proposal and agreed to continue talks with the union.
The dispute stemmed from proposed changes under Wightlink’s Rostering and Operational Efficiency Project, part of a wider 5-year plan aimed at modernising the business and improving services for passengers. The proposals included changes to crew rotas, working patterns and operational procedures, which the RMT had argued could impact work-life balance and job security.
It is thought the company employs around 500 staff overall, with the original proposal seeking to remove up to 50 roles – approximately 10% of the workforce. However, Wightlink said that more than 30 new vacancies would be created as part of the restructure.
In an update, both parties say they are now committed to ongoing discussions aimed at improving the long-term sustainability of the company while enhancing the customer experience.
Katy Taylor, CEO of Wightlink, has said:
“We’re pleased that we have managed to reach this important step. We take our responsibility as a lifeline service seriously and we are doing everything we can to avoid industrial action as we know the impact it has on our customers.
“We will continue talks with the RMT and hope to agree a way forward for changes which are needed to further improve our services, increase flexibility and to add additional sailings.”
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Wightlink and the RMT say they will continue to work together to find the best possible outcome for both staff and passengers.
Get rid of the CEO and most of the management; save a lot more and nobody would ever notice any effect on the service.
Companies should not let unions rule
if savings must be made, they must be made.
Wightlink could reduce staff without affecting
customers safety.
Install vending machines and make redundant
shop / cafe staff.
Ah the uneducated enter.
Stop talking about yourself like that,
bless you.
The reason the union withdrew threat of industrial action was that the staff were all of sick again
Scrap sick pay and pay S.S.P only
it’s amazing how quickly one recovers
when you affect their pocket.
Lol