RED FUNNEL staff are considering strike action following unsuccessful pay negotiations with the cross-Solent provider.

The ferry company said it tried to initiate pay negotiations back in October 2021, so it could be implemented on January 1, 2022.

It claims that Unite the Union, which represents 20 per cent of its staff, did not present its initial 16 per cent pay claim until two months later.

In response to the initial play claim, and subsequent discussions, Red Funnel says it made an offer of 6.4 per cent increase in pay for all employees, regardless of whether they were union members, in the following roles:

  • Services assistant (ship and shore based)
  • Customer advisor (shore operations)
  • Customer advisor (contact centre)
  • Stores operative
  • Cabin attendant
  • Signature lounge assistant

Red Funnel said it offered an increase of 4.5 per cent for all other roles.

Isle of Wight County Press: Red Funnel terminal in East Cowes.Red Funnel terminal in East Cowes.

Ballot papers will be issued to Unite the Union members in the next seven days.

This ballot is to determine the members’ appetite for industrial action, which may or may not include strike action.

Action will not take place over the Isle of Wight Festival period, Red Funnel has confirmed, instead potential action would likely take place around late July.

Fran Collins, chief executive at Red Funnel, said: “We are disappointed that our pay offer, which is positively aligned with our wider industry, has been rejected.

"We continue to engage in discussions with Unite the Union regarding the pay claim for 2022 to secure a resolution and recognise our teams with a pay increase.

“The pandemic had an enormous impact on our revenues, and like many other businesses, we continue to face challenges particularly at a time when fuel costs are up 70 per cent.

"We are very proud of the work our colleagues undertake daily in connecting the Solent, and we’re keen to recognise their commitment and dedication.

"We are pleased that pay claims for all other colleagues have already been settled for 2022.

“We must make sustainable decisions so that we can continue to provide lifeline services for our loyal customers, keeping the Island connected and supplied.

"We are fully committed to doing all we can to ensure maximum travel choice and connectivity for island residents, visitors and businesses.”