Ferry strike vote

Unite is today (January 6) calling on the operator of the Woolwich Free Ferry Service, Briggs Marine to get around the negotiating table to avoid major disruption to users of the popular Thames river crossing, as a strike ballot of ferry workers opens.

 

Around 27 ferry workers, including the ship’s crew, electricians and road traffic teams are being balloted for strike action over pay disparities, the use of agency staff and operator Briggs Marine’s misinterpretation of its sick pay policy. The ballot closes on Friday January 16.

Unite has accused Briggs Marine of riding roughshod over long standing agreements and practices including the extension of sick pay payments in exceptional cases, resulting in a potential serious loss of earnings.

The former Greenwich council workers are losing out financially after the operator unilaterally decided that it would no longer replicate pay awards made to council staff or allow permanent staff to work overtime with agency staff being used instead.

“Our members have had enough of Briggs Marine’s continual failure to deal with very serious long-standing grievances,” said Onay Kasab, Unite regional officer.

“Unite is calling on Briggs Marine to come to its senses and get around the negotiating table to settle this dispute.”

 

A ‘yes’ vote in the industrial action ballot will shut down the popular river crossing service which carries more than 3,500 vehicles and 5,000 passengers a day, Unite has warned.