Ferry strike called off

Tomorrow’s strike (April 21) that would have hit travellers using the Woolwich Ferry has been suspended, as ‘positive progress’ has been made in talks today (April 20) in the dispute over a bullying culture.

Unite held talks this morning with Briggs Marine Contractors Ltd, which runs the service on behalf of Transport for London (TfL).

“Tomorrow’s strike on the Woolwich Ferry has been suspended as we have made very positive progress this morning in talks with the management,” said Unite regional officer Onay Kasab “Our members will be working normally.

“We will be holding further talks on Tuesday (April 25) where we hope to resolve the outstanding issues. Unite won’t be commenting further until those talks have concluded.”

About 3,500 vehicles a day use the free service across the Thames which opened in 1889, following the abolition of tolls across bridges to the west of London. An estimated two million passengers also use the ferry annually.

There has been a ferry has been in place at the site since the 14th century.