Members voted by more than two to one for strike action after attempts to negotiate with the company foundered. The action will delay early sailings on the route and may have a knock-on effect on later services.

“In good faith our members agreed to work earlier shifts last year to help the company out, but when it came to negotiating a permanent arrangement the company said there was nothing to talk about and tried to impose the roster,” RMT general secretary Bob Crow said today.

“The substantial vote for strike action should have told the company all they need to know about their stance.

“All we have sought is a negotiated deal that compensates our members adequately for earlier starts.

“But for reasons known only to Wightlink the company has blown the issue out of all proportion and instead of negotiating the it is now actively undermining its own rostering arrangements.

“That intransigence has left the union with no alternative but to instruct its members on the on the Portsmouth-Fishbourne route that from next Monday they should not book on for early shifts until 05:30.

“The company can avoid industrial action simply by negotiating a sensible solution with our reps,” Bob Crow said.

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