On the go: Unionised staff of the Wightlink ferry operator are to be balloted on possible action, including strikes, over the closure of their defined benefit scheme and new working conditions.
Transport union RMT announced on Thursday that it would begin balloting for strikes and action short of striking after the ferry company refused to withdraw changes to pensions and terms and conditions.
Workers have been angered by the proposed closure of the DB scheme, along with the reintroduction of a flexible working regime introduced during the first six months of the coronavirus pandemic.
RMT general secretary Mick Cash said the company’s changes were a “particularly bitter blow”, given that staff loaned the company 20 per cent of salaries and gave up terms and conditions for six months to help their employer survive the lockdowns and travel restrictions. Wightlink clarified that this would be repaid once profits return to 2019 levels, and claimed unions suggested this measure.
The union also alleged that Wightlink continues to pay dividends to its private equity owners, a charge the company said is untrue since the start of the pandemic.
“Our members at Wightlink are angry and frustrated that the company is slashing their pensions and terms and conditions on this lifeline service in what is a real kick in the teeth for loyal and hard-working staff,” Mr Cash said in a statement.
“The ballot has opened and we are campaigning hard for a massive ‘yes’ vote,” he continued. “RMT is looking for the company to do the decent thing in the season of goodwill and make a responsible offer to settle this dispute. The union remains available for talks.”
In response, a statement from WightLink expressed surprise at the decision to ballot given ongoing consultations, and stressed the pandemic’s heavy impact on the company, which reportedly lost £20m at the start of the outbreak and is continuing to lose money while passenger numbers remain below normal.
Chief executive Keith Greenfield said: “It is my duty to ensure that Wightlink survives this crisis, however long it lasts. The company must manage our current costs and future financial risks to become a sustainable business and protect services and jobs. We are currently talking to union representatives to seek their views and hear their alternative proposals.”
He said the ballot for industrial action would “damage the company and jeopardise our proposal to increase pension contributions for more than half of our colleagues”.
Agreement on the proposals would mean “we believe we will not have to announce any compulsory redundancies within Wightlink”, Mr Greenfield added.
