Isle of Wight ferry strike over as Red Funnel deal accepted

The Red Funnel strike is over after Unite union members voted to accept a two-year deal pay deal.

The union says it is worth 18.3 per cent for the lowest paid and 13.4 per cent for all other staff. 

Unite said, more than 140 workers, members of Unite, the UK’s leading union, who work as customer service staff, shunters and ratings, will benefit from the deal.

The deal also includes improvements to paid leave, sick pay, food allowances and health benefits.

Read more: Unite suspend strikes after new offer on table

Read more: How Red Funnel strike action began.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Our members at Red Funnel stood together to fight for better wages and won. This is just the latest example of how Unite’s total focus on improving jobs, pay and conditions is delivering for our members.”

The workers will receive immediate pay rises of 4.5 per cent – rising to 6.3 per cent for the lowest paid – backdated to January 2022. From January 2023, a pay increase of 8.6 per cent, rising to 11.3 per cent for the lowest paid, will be implemented.  

Unite regional officer Ian Woodland said: “This deal shows why it is so important to be part of a union. Workers wanting better pay and T&Cs should join Unite and get their colleagues to join as well.”

*Fran Collins, chief executive at Red Funnel, said: “I am very pleased that Unite members voted in such numbers to accept our two-year pay offer, and as a result industrial action will cease and we will continue operating our service as normal.

“Our focus throughout this period has been to secure a sustainable future for the business. It is also important to us that we have been able to recognise and reward all our colleagues during these unstable times.

“Now that a resolution has been finalised, we are committed to working with all our colleagues to focus on rebuilding our teams and moving forward together.

“We remain fully committed to doing all we can to ensure maximum travel choice and connectivity for Island residents, visitors and businesses, promoting the long-term success of the Island economy.”

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