Eight days of strikes planned on Woolwich ferry
Workers on the Woolwich ferry have voted to strike after complaints of TfL management.
Workers voted 97 per cent in favour to strike for eight days over the coming two months. They are 14, 24, 28 May and 1, 4, 7, 11, 21 June.
Transport for London took over operation of the ferry from Briggs Marine which also saw poor relations between the company and employees.
Unite complain of victimisation by TfL alongside “the failure to agree a new pay and reward scheme; the excessive use of agency staff; and the failure to provide adequate health and safety training to new employees.”
New boats
The service has been hit by a number of strikes and poor reliability from new boats. Three boats were replaced with two, reducing resilience when issues occur.
In recent weeks Mayor Sadiq Khan has listed the ferry as an example of TfL’s offering “better services” in his manifesto.
Greenwich Council have previously called for tolls on the ferry if congestion rises once Silvertown Tunnel opens. This would require amending the Metropolitan Board of Works Act 1885.
Thanks to Tom Page for the image courtesy Creative Commons 2.0 (CC BY-SA 2.0).
Just build another bridge or tunnel downriver. Can’t believe they are suggesting introducing another ferry service up by Surrey Quay.
Simpler and less costly to just treat the workers with the respect they deserve. People strike for good reason.
I totally agree with you Ballard just treat the workers with the respect they deserve. As you so rightly pointed out people do strike for good reason. They also do deserve good pay and conditions. As do all workers.
The electro magnet docking was actually working on my last trip. Less crew on deck.
Traffic will be a nightmare on the days of these strikes. Traffic is getting more congested in the area as it even when the Woolwich Ferry and Blakwall Tunnel are working normally.
Not looking forward to my journey on the days strike action takes place.