Cowes Week to be hit by Isle of Wight ferry strikes
Red Funnel workers have confirmed when they're walking out
Last updated 11th Jul 2022
Isle of Wight ferry workers have confirmed when they're going to walk out in a row over pay and conditions - with Cowes Week set to be hit.
Around 120 Red Funnel staff working on the Southampton to Cowes route will stage a series of 24-hour strikes on July 27th and August 1st, 3rd and 5th.
That means those heading to the regatta, which runs from July 30th to August 6th, will likely face disruption in getting there.
In addition, further 24-hour strikes will take place on August 9th, 11th, 15th, 17th, 19th, 23rd, 26th and 29th.
Unite said some of the workers involved have been required to spend days away from home and are only paid for hours when they are working onboard ferries, with no money provided for food or other expenses.
General secretary Sharon Graham added:
“Unite will not stand for Red Funnel’s disgusting treatment of these workers. Red Funnel’s owners are awash with cash. They can afford to pay and right the wrongs our members are subjected to.
"Our members are absolutely right to strike to end this injustice. Unite will be supporting them with its full force every step of the way.”
Unite says the customer service staff, shunters and ratings are increasingly struggling to pay increased rents. Some are turning to food banks and ‘making the most’ of onboard food allowances at work to keep bills down.
The workers have rejected a pay offer of 4.5 per cent from the company, increasing to 6.5 per cent for the lowest paid staff, saying it falls far below the real cost of living.
Unite regional officer Ian Woodland said:
“Our members don’t want to strike but Red Funnel has left them with no choice. Red Funnel’s treatment of its workforce is the reason Cowes Week and Isle of Wight summer holiday plans will be disrupted.
"There is still time to end this dispute before strikes occur, but Red Funnel needs to come back with an offer that meets our members' aspirations.”
A spokesperson for Red Funnel said:
"We are incredibly disappointed to have received notification today from Unite the Union that members voted for strike action.
"Our priority is ensuring the Island remains connected and we continue to provide a lifeline service that so many rely upon. We will contact any impacted customers ahead of their booked crossing and advise of their options.
"We’d like to assure you that we have prepared robust contingency plans and do not anticipate a full stop to our services, rather, we expect to operate on a revised and reduced timetable, which we will communicate on 12th July (Tuesday)."