Thames lock keepers to strike over safety concerns

There are currently 52 trained staff employed by the Environment Agency along the length of the river

Lock keepers on the River Thames have voted to take strike action over what their union said were safety concerns caused by a staff shortage.

There are currently 52 trained staff employed by the Environment Agency along the length of the river.

The GMB Union said that figure should be 90 during peak season.

The Environment Agency said it was disappointed, but would make sure locks continued to function during any strike.

The GMB said turnout in the ballot was 98%, with 90% voting for strike action.

Kevin Brandstatter, GMB national officer, said: "Our River Thames weir and lock keepers are passionate, dedicated workers. They live and work with river users and don't want to go on strike.

"But there are only 52 staff doing the work of 90 - it's just not safe."

He said staff had gone "above and beyond" to keep people safe but "enough is enough".

"They have the support of boaters, river users, those who live on and by the river and hikers," he added.

"They now feel withdrawing their labour is the only way to get their message across to the Environment Agency."

'Continue to function'

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: "It is disappointing that our lock keepers have chosen to strike.

"We have been working with the lock keepers over the last few months to try and avoid such action being taken.

"We have not proposed any cuts to jobs or services, and are committed to continuing to work with and listen to them to modernise the service we offer.

"We will ensure our locks and weirs continue to function over any strike period."