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Strike ballot called off at ferry operator Wightlink after firm withdraws redundancy threats
The Wightlink ferry Victoria of Wight makes it's way from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight as Storm Barra hit Britain and Ireland with disruptive winds, heavy rain and snow, December 7, 2021

RMT announced that it had scrapped its industrial action ballot at ferry operator Wightlink today after the company agreed to several concessions, including the withdrawal of potential job cuts.

Following talks, management at the company have decided to withdraw its restructuring proposals and removed the threat of redundancy, the union says.

It added that the firm has also made a “clear commitment” to continue discussions on workforce development, including upskilling and improvements to working practices, with no compromise on safety standards.

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “This is a successful outcome for RMT members at Wightlink who stood together and showed the company 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,” he said.

Wightlink was approached for comment.

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