This is from Wightlink, in their own words – Ed.
The RMT have informed the company that strike action will take place on 24th and 26th December 2011. In addition, RMT members (Wightlink Guernsey, Portsmouth afloat staff) have been instructed not to work overtime or rest days from 24th December 2011 until further notice.
Wightlink is acutely aware of the effect a strike on 24 & 26 December will have on our customers. We deeply regret that the RMT feel that the protection of a trade union representative who was a senior engineer, who was expected to set an example, comes before both the safe working procedures, which the union have done much to promote, and the needs of the customers on whom all employees’ livelihoods depend.
On this occasion the company feels that the breach of safety
procedures by a senior member of staff is something on which it cannot compromise. Safety procedures are vital both to the safe operation of our vessels and to the safety of passengers and crew, and the Company considers that to demonstrate such a blase attitude in full view of both passengers and crew is unacceptable.
As a life line service provider to the residents and visitors to the Isle of Wight, our primary aim is to ensure we provide a level of service which meets the demand of our customers. We have fully considered the options open to us in making sure we do everything possible to get our customers to their destinations, particularly over the Christmas period.
Wightlink have put in place contingency plans with our competitors to ensure a level of service for our customers which will try to minimise disruption to their travel arrangements, as the company appreciate that this is a time of the year when many of our customers will be visiting family, friends and loved ones.
Customers may consider that RMT members taking such action against a company that has committed to a 5.8% increase in pay this year and offers a wide range of benefits, including a final salary pension scheme, in a financial climate where pensions and jobs are disappearing on a daily basis, shows a cavalier attitude for both their employer and its customers.
Customers booked on the Portsmouth-Fishbourne route between 2300 hours on 23 and 2359 hours on 26 December are advised to contact our call centre on 0871 376 1000, where their booking will be amended to the Lymington-Yarmouth route (subject to availability), amended to a different date, be fully refunded or be transferred to Red Funnel (subject to availability).
Regrettably no new car ferry bookings are being accepted for travel between 2100 hours on 23 and 2359 hours on 26 December.
Wightlink would sincerely like to apologise for this disruption and any inconvenience that may be caused.
Please note:
Industrial action only affects Wightlink Guernsey, Portsmouth afloat staff – All other staff, including shore staff on both Portsmouth routes will be working their normal duties – despite no operational sailings.
The last sailing from Portsmouth Gunwharf will be 2100 hours and from Fishbourne at 2200 hours on 23 December
The first sailing from Portsmouth Gunwharf will be at 0130 hours and from Fishbourne at 0215 hours on 27 December
The last sailing from Portsmouth Harbour will be 2215 hours and from Ryde Pier Head at 2247 hours on 23 December
The first sailing from Portsmouth Harbour will be at 0415 hours and from Ryde Pier Head at 0447 hours from Fishbourne on 27 December
