WIGHTLINK WIN

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: nov/dec 2025 :: RMTnews 7 The union has cancelled industrial action ballot at Isle of Wight ferry company Wightlink after the company withdrew its threat of redundancies. The company’s original restructuring proposals included ‘efficiency’ plans that threatened 160 jobs and undermined safety on board. This included cutting Deck Officer and Port Operator grades, close overnight onboard retail and reduce crewing levels across vessels. However, after members backed industrial action, the company withdrew its proposals and committed to discussions on workforce development, including upskilling and improvements to working practices with no compromise on safety standards. RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said that it was a successful outcome for RMT members at Wightlink who stood together and showed the company that they would not accept threats to their jobs or safety. "RMT is always prepared to engage in genuine talks about improvements, but we will never accept changes that put jobs or safety on the line. “Cutting safety-critical roles and crewing ferries at bare minimum levels in one of the busiest stretches of water in the country is always questionable for passengers and for RMT members alike. “Wightlink workers have given years of service keeping the Solent moving and deserve better than threats to their jobs and conditions,” he said. S trike action at Cross Country has been suspended following talks with the company to resolve issues regarding the undermining of safety-critical roles and threats to safety and jobs. The company has provided proposals aimed at resolving the issues at the heart of the dispute which will require approval from the Department for Transport.  RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey congratulated the membership for their steadfast support for the union. “While the union remains in dispute, we now expect to see tangible progress made by November 19 in order to reach an agreement on all outstanding items,” he said.   WIGHTLINK WIN Company withdraws redundancy plan following strike threat RMT STRIKE ACTION AT CROSS COUNTRY SUSPENDED REMEMBERANCE: RMT national secretary Darren Procter and RMT national executive committee member Gareth Jameson joined the memorial service at Tower Hill in London on Remembrance Sunday to honour seafarers who died in wartime. REMEMBER THEM