Despite what you might have read in headlines elsewhere, the Strike on the Portsmouth Wightlink services hasn’t yet been confirmed as happening.
As VB reported earlier today, results of a ballot of union members at Wightlink was revealed. The Yes vote gives the union the legal ability to call the strike.
Despite other media reports, a strike has not yet been officially announced as the matter is still being considered by the Union’s Executive (the decisions aren’t made locally).
RMT said no
VB checked with the press office at the RMT and got confirmation that nothing official has been announced as yet, with them saying that “Anyone running anything saying otherwise is taking a flyer.”
An RMT member told VB that they hoped it could be resolved through talks with Wightlink, who they reported don’t seem that keen to at the moment.
Strong indications
That’s not to say there aren’t signs indicating that pressure is building towards a strike. Wightlink decided some time ago to not sail on Christmas Day, so Christmas Eve and Boxing Day would be particularly busy, and therefore profitable, days. If the strike were to occur then, that income would be lost.
We understand (and the CP reports) that Bob Crow, General Secretary of RMT, will be heading down to Fratton Park to meet with union members tomorrow afternoon. The balance of probabilities are that he’s unlikely to be doing it to have an evening by the sea-side.
Wightlink not notified of strike dates either
Wightlink told VB today that they’ve yet to be formally notified by the RMT that they intend to be take industrial action.
They went on to say that they are currently working on contingency plans to ensure passengers travel arrangements to and from the Isle of Wight can be fulfilled and apologise in advance of any inconvenience strike action may cause to customers.
Red Funnel put on extra sailings
In response to the threat of industrial action by Wightlink union members, Red Funnel are planning, subject to demand, to put on extra sailings on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day.
They say that timings will be published via the reservation system over the next few days.
