Union strike threat over proposed ferry job cuts

Wightlink said it was supporting those who might be impacted

A cross-Solent ferry operator has proposed staff cuts that may affect up to 50 roles as part of a project to improve the business.

The Rostering and Operational Efficiency Project by Wightlink, which provides a ferry service between the Isle of Wight and Hampshire, is a part of the company's five-year plan.

It said staff had been informed and that those who might be impacted were being supported and it is in consultation with the RMT union.

But maritime union RMT said the move would put 160 jobs at risk and threatened to ballot for industrial actions unless the "reckless plans" were withdrawn.

The service has faced criticism by users and campaigners over the lack of spaces for islanders and cost.

Passengers have also experienced long delays on its services and the company was also criticised over its dynamic pricing.

Wightlink said the project was needed "to modernise and improve efficiency, so we have the right people in the right places at the right times".

"Like many businesses, rising costs and inflationary pressures are having an impact with our cost growth being twice that of our revenue growth over the past year," it said in a statement.

It added that it was currently going through a 30-day consultation with our operational staff alongside the RMT to "ensure we are able to continue investing in our people, our fleet and our ports".

It said there were more than 30 new vacancies in the proposed structure.

"We hope to deliver the proposal through a voluntary process, and the suggested changes include no reduction in sailings on any route," it said.

Wightlink said no changes had been decided.

'Recipe for disaster'

RMT said the operator had outlined plans to cut deck officer and port operator grades, close onboard retail overnight and reduce crewing levels across vessels.

The union said it believed the changes would "make ships less safe, undermine vital services and heap pressure on loyal staff".

"Despite being pressed directly, Wightlink refused to give a commitment to 'no compulsory redundancies,' instead suggesting it would 'hope' to secure enough volunteers".

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey called the proposals "a recipe for disaster".

"Our members have given years of dedicated service keeping the Solent moving and supporting island communities," he said.

"To repay them with the threat of compulsory redundancy and worse conditions is completely unacceptable."

Isle of Wight East MP Joe Robertson said he supported "driving efficiencies in the delivery of Isle of Wight ferry services".

"But it is understandably concerning when a ferry company seeks to reduce staffing numbers when it sometimes cancels sailings due to the lack of an essential staff member," he said.

"The private equity ownership model is broken and that's why I have asked the Government to step in and give the forthcoming Mayor for Hampshire and the Solent, regulatory powers over the ferries which will match powers they will have over trains and buses."

Mr Robertson said Wightlink chief executive Katy Taylor had reassured him "that services will not be affected by whatever decisions are taken".