Woolwich Ferry is a free service connecting Woolwich and North Woolwich for pedestrians and cars
Unite union members at Woolwich Ferry have overwhelming voted to take strike action amid a pay dispute.
Workers at the ferry service in London who took part in the ballot voted 87 per cent in favour of industrial action. Representatives will meet next week to discuss strike dates.
Unite claim Transport for London (TfL) has refused to discuss pay amid the cost of living crisis, as inflation reaches 12.3 per cent.
TfL have operated the ferry as well as owning it since January 2021.
The union said workers face a “toxic combination of an employer refusing to discuss a pay deal... and management victimising and unfairly suspending workers on the service”.
General secretary Sharon Graham, said: “Workers on the Woolwich Ferry are not prepared to be bullied and treated with contempt. They have voted for strike action because there is a cost of living emergency but bosses won’t even discuss pay for this year.
“There is a short window of opportunity for TfL to reach an agreement before the union announces strike dates. The workers can rest assured that they have their union’s complete backing.”
Workers at Woolwich Ferry striked over more than 30 days throughout 2021.
Unite regional officer Onay Kasab: “Bosses of the ferry service need to discuss pay and they need to put an end to the bullying and victimisation. Our members will not accept this poor treatment.”
The Woolwich Ferry is a free service linking Woolwich and North Woolwich for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles.
The free service across the Thames opened in 1889, following the abolition of tolls across bridges to the west of London.
There has been a ferry in place at the site since the 14th century, Unite said.
In 2017 the service received two new vessels worth £10 million each. That same year a member of staff made a formal complaint of sexual harassment, and strike action was threatened.
TfL has been approached for comment.
