30/01/2015

Union Seals Better Pay Deal For Woolwich Ferry Workers

A strike by Woolwich Ferry workers has been averted after Unite the union secured a better pay deal for the workforce, and persuaded ferry operator Briggs Marine to abandon threats to tear up long-standing agreements.

The 26 Unite members had voted unanimously to take strike action earlier this month over pay disparities, the use of agency staff and the operator’s mis-interpretation of its sick pay policy.

Briggs Marine has agreed to honour the existing sick pay policy and reduce the use of agency staff. The deal will also see members receive a 2.2 per cent pay increase on basic pay and other allowances.

A joint working party will also be set up to deal with the pay disparities that have arisen since the service was transferred to the private sector.

Unite regional officer Onay Kasab said: "This is a great result for our members and is a testament to their resolve in the face of an unjust attack on their livelihoods.

"They were not prepared to roll over and accept their employer's attempts to tear up their rights and won significant concessions as a result.

"We have shown that through negotiation and determination, we can win."

(CD)

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