WIGHTLINK MEMBERS WIN PAY INCREASE

RMTnews :: may 2006 :: www.rmt.org.uk 4 Open six days a week Mon to Fri - 8am until 6pm, Sat - 9.30am to 4pm e-mail: info@rmt.org.uk Legal helpline: 0800 587 7516 Seven days a week Members Helpline Freephone 0800 376 3706 I ndustrial action by more than 350 RMT members working for ferry companies Wightlink Guernsey and Wightlink Limited has been called off after staff overwhelming backed an improved pay offer. A ban on overtime, rest day working and late sailings and two 24-hour stoppages were suspended. Members massively voted to take action over the company’s initial refusal to offer any pay offer this year. However, the company has now been forced to offer a £500 flat-rate consolidated increase for the current year and a three per cent rise in 2007. “Our members made it quite clear that they were not prepared to accept what amounted to a pay cut, and the company responded by tabling a new offer,” RMT general secretary Bob Crow said. He said that due to an overwhelming strike vote the company had shifted from its “disgraceful” initial position. “This magnificent stand by our members at Wightlink has shown what can be achieved if workers stick together,” said shipping secretary Steve Todd. WIGHTLINK MEMBERS WIN PAY INCREASE