Isle of Wight ferry company, Red Funnel, have expressed their disappointment in relation to ongoing pay negotiations with the Unite Union.
The ferry company say they have been involved in extensive discussions with the Union since October 2021, but say the Union have advised they will be balloting members on whether to take industrial action.
The result of the ballot should be known in around three week’s time.
20 per cent of staff able to vote
Red Funnel say staff within the Unite bargaining unit able to vote in the ballot represent 20 per cent of the company’s staff.
Unite have told Red Funnel that any industrial action (it’s not clear whether that would constitute strike action) would take place no sooner than end of July, so should not affect travel for Isle of Wight Festival.
Unite seeking 16 per cent increase
Unite are seeking 16 per cent increase for members.
Meanwhile Red Funnel have offered 6.3 per cent for a variety of roles such as service assistants, customer advisor roles, cabin attendant and Signature Lounge assistants and 4.5 per cent for all other roles.
Pandemic impact on revenue
Red Funnel say the pandemic has had a big impact on revenue, and that fuel costs have increased by 70 per cent.
They also say other companies within the sector, such as P&O and Thames Clipper have settled pay claims in the region of three per cent.
Statement from Red Funnel
A statement from Red Funnel reads as follows:
Red Funnel tried to initiate pay negotiations in October 2021 so that they would be able to implement 2022’s salary uplift on 1st January 2022. Unite the Union did not present its initial 16% pay claim until December 2021.
In response to their initial pay claim and subsequent discussions, Red Funnel has made an offer of a 6.3% increase in pay for all employees in the following roles, regardless of whether they are in the bargaining unit or not.
- Services Assistant (ship and shore based)
- Customer Advisor (shore operations)
- Customer Advisor (contact centre)
- Stores Operative
- Cabin Attendant
- Signature Lounge Assistant
Red Funnel has offered an increase of 4.5% for all other roles.
Fran Collins, Chief Executive at Red Funnel, said,
“We are disappointed that our pay offer, which is positively aligned with our wider industry, has been rejected. We continue to engage in discussions with Unite the Union regarding the pay claim for 2022 to secure a resolution and recognise our teams with a pay increase.
“Within 7 days’ time, ballot papers will be issued to Unite the Union members – representing 20% of Red Funnel colleagues. This ballot is to determine the members’ appetite for industrial action, which may or may not include strike action.
“The pandemic had an enormous impact on our revenues, and like many other businesses, we continue to face challenges particularly at a time when fuel costs are up 70%. We are very proud of the work our colleagues undertake daily in connecting the Solent, and we’re keen to recognise their commitment and dedication. We are pleased that pay claims for all other colleagues have already been settled for 2022.
“We must make sustainable decisions so that we can continue to provide lifeline services for our loyal customers, keeping the Island connected and supplied. We are fully committed to doing all we can to ensure maximum travel choice and connectivity for island residents, visitors and businesses.”
Image: Element5 Digital under CC BY 2.0
