RMT makes waves with robust response to rostering dispute

The RMT seafarers’ union has reached a deal with the Wightlink ferry company after a long-running dispute over rostering.

About 100 RMT members on the Portsmouth-Fishbourne route had been due to strike in March over the imposition of earlier rosters, but the action was called off after Wightlink offered a one-off additional payment of £75 for the earlier sailing.

The settlement also includes an agreement to involve RMT reps in drawing up a 2009 schedule which does not require a start time before 5.30am.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow said the dispute had made Wightlink realise “that it must negotiate rather than impose”.