Ferry strike vote called off after talks

Wightlink confirmed it was withdrawing its restructuring proposals

A ballot on industrial action on cross-Solent ferries has been cancelled.

Wightlink had proposed staff cuts, potentially affecting up to 50 roles, as part of a project which it said would improve the business.

Following "constructive talks" with the RMT Union, Wightlink said it had withdrawn its original proposal and would continue discussions.

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey confirmed its members would not be balloted on strike action, saying it had been a "successful outcome".

Wightlink said it had been consulting the union over proposed changes for the Rostering and Operational Efficiency Project - which it described as a "five-year company plan to modernise the business and to make improvements for passengers".

Chief executive Katy Taylor said "We take our responsibility as a lifeline service seriously and we are doing everything we can to avoid industrial action as we know the impact it has on our customers.

"We will continue talks with the RMT and hope to agree a way forward for changes which are needed to further improve our services, increase flexibility and to add additional sailings."

The maritime union had previously said the proposals would put 160 jobs at risk and threatened to ballot for industrial action unless the "reckless plans" were withdrawn.

Following the talks, Mr Dempsey said: "This is a successful outcome for RMT members at Wightlink who stood together and showed the company they would not accept threats to their jobs or safety.

"RMT is always prepared to engage in genuine talks about improvements, but we will never accept changes that put jobs or safety on the line."

Wightlink operates vehicle and passenger services between Portsmouth and Ryde as well as vehicle ferries between Yarmouth and Lymington.