Unite the Union members Red Funnel have taken part in a ballot once again to vote on whether to take industrial action in relation to ongoing pay discussions.
The ferry company say that their two-year pay deal was accepted and any planned industrial action will no longer take place.
More than 140 workers will benefit
Unite the Union say the pay deal is worth 18.3 per cent for the lowest paid and 13.4 per cent for all other staff.
They add that more than 140 workers, who work as customer service staff, shunters and ratings, will benefit from the deal.
Collins: Very pleased
Fran Collins, Chief Executive at Red Funnel, said,
“I am very pleased that Unite members voted in such numbers to accept our two-year pay offer, and as a result industrial action will cease and we will continue operating our service as normal.”
Graham: Workers stood together to fight for better wages and won
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said,
“Our members at Red Funnel stood together to fight for better wages and won.
“This is just the latest example of how Unite’s total focus on improving jobs, pay and conditions is delivering for our members.”
The deal also includes improvements to paid leave, sick pay, food allowances and health benefits.
The pay deal
Unite say the workers will immediately receive pay rises of 4.5 per cent – rising to 6.3 per cent for the lowest paid – backdated to January 2022.
From January 2023, a pay increase of 8.6 per cent, rising to 11.3 per cent for the lowest paid, will be implemented.
Collins: Securing a sustainable future for the business
Ms Collins went on to add,
“Our focus throughout this period has been to secure a sustainable future for the business. It is also important to us that we have been able to recognise and reward all our colleagues during these unstable times.
“Now that a resolution has been finalised, we are committed to working with all our colleagues to focus on rebuilding our teams and moving forward together.”
Woodland: Why it is so important to be part of a union
Unite regional officer Ian Woodland said,
“This deal shows why it is so important to be part of a union.
“Workers wanting better pay and T&Cs should join Unite and get their colleagues to join as well.”
Ms Collins finished by saying,
“We remain fully committed to doing all we can to ensure maximum travel choice and connectivity for Island residents, visitors and businesses, promoting the long-term success of the Island economy.”
