RIVER ferry workers in London are balloting for strike action over poor pay, staffing and workplace conditions.

The 31 Unite members work on the Woolwich ferry in east London.

They say that their employer, Briggs Marine Contractors, is refusing to implement a 6 per cent pay increase for this year.

The workers are also concerned at new duties being imposed by the company, as well as staff shortages.

Unite regional officer Onay Kasab said: “The ballot starts on February 14, Valentine’s Day, but I can assure you that our members have little love for the management, which appears not to have learnt the lessons from the dispute two years ago.”

The 2017 dispute was over bullying and health and safety problems in the same workplace.