RMT UNION THREATENS INDUSTRIAL ACTION OVER WIGHTLINK JOB CUTS
The RMT union has confirmed it is now in dispute with cross-Solent ferry operator Wightlink after the company announced restructuring plans that could see up to 160 jobs at risk.
As previously reported by Island Echo, Wightlink has told staff it intends to cut around 50 roles as part of its ‘Rostering and Operational Efficiency Project’. The company says the changes are needed to address rising costs and to modernise operations, with a 30-day consultation period now underway.
But the RMT union says the impact could be far greater, with Deck Officer and Port Operator grades among those threatened, as well as the closure of onboard retail overnight and reduced crewing levels across vessels. The union believes this will not only undermine staff conditions but also compromise safety on one of the busiest stretches of water in the world.
Eddie Dempsey, RMT General Secretary, has said:
“Wightlink’s proposals are an attack on jobs, conditions and above all on safety.
“Stripping out trained Deck Officers, cutting shore-side port roles and running ferries at minimum staffing levels is a recipe for disaster in one of the busiest stretches of water in the world.
“Our members have given years of dedicated service keeping the Solent moving and supporting island communities. To repay them with the threat of compulsory redundancy and worse conditions is completely unacceptable.
“RMT will stand shoulder to shoulder with our members at Wightlink. Unless the company withdraws these reckless plans and gives a clear guarantee of no compulsory redundancies, we will ballot for industrial action to defend jobs, safety and service standards across the Solent.”
Wightlink, which operates services between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight, says the review is necessary due to rising costs and inflationary pressures, with cost growth running at twice the rate of revenue growth over the past year. The operator insists it “hopes” the cuts can be achieved voluntarily and has stated there will be no reduction to sailings.
The union has made clear that without firm guarantees on jobs, it will move towards a ballot for strike action in defence of its members.
