Following news earlier today that the RMT have called off the intended strike, this in from Wightlink, in their own words. Ed
We have been informed by the RMT that strike action has been called off on 24 & 26 December.
Therefore the company intend to reinstate all sailings to their advertised timetables on the Portsmouth-Ryde catamaran service and the Portsmouth-Fishbourne car ferry service.
In the circumstances we hope that our employees and the RMT ensure that the company are able to offer the full service our customers would expect.
Disappointed by RMT actions
Whilst the company welcomes this news and return to rationality by the RMT, the company remains extremely disappointed that the local RMT branch decided to take such extreme action over the Christmas period and seriously inconvenience travel plans of Isle of Wight Residents, visitors and businesses.
Employment Tribunal in May 2012
For the avoidance of doubt, the member of staff who was dismissed for gross misconduct – and who has been supported by the local RMT branch throughout this process – submitted a claim to the Employment Tribunal before Wightlink’s internal disciplinary procedure had been completed and a date for this hearing has been set for May 2012.
Interim relief (being kept on full pay. Ed) was applied for by the individual and supported by the RMT. This was refused by the court as the RMT failed to produce sufficient evidence that the trade union representative had been dismissed on the grounds of his trade union activities rather than for a serious breach of health and safety.
Nonetheless the RMT continued with their action, possibly in an attempt to circumvent the legal process and also to pressurise the company into reinstating the member of staff.
Not been approached for a reference
The individual concerned has not been reinstated or relocated within Wightlink.
Wightlink understand that the individual concerned has been offered alternative employment elsewhere, but the company has not been formally approached for a reference.
Wightlink sincerely apologises to all customers who have been inconvenienced by this action caused by the behaviour of the local RMT branch.
