Rest Breaks, Chief Engineers, Lymington to Yarmouth route – Wightlink Ltd

Our Ref: SH/8/17

12^th February 2024

 

Dear Colleagues  

 

Rest Breaks, Chief Engineers, Lymington to Yarmouth route – Wightlink Ltd

 

I have been made aware that due to the Chief Engineer being the only engineering watch keeper on board, RMT members on the Lymington to Yarmouth route are unable to take their 20-minute break. Our Wightlink Representatives have raised this matter with the company, but to date there has been no response. Rest breaks are mandatory for seafarers under Merchant Shipping Notice 1876.

 

In line with the wishes of the union’s National Executive Committee, I have advised Wightlink that a dispute situation now exists between our two organisations. I have begun the necessary preparations to hold a ballot of members on the Lymington to Yarmouth route and I will advise you of the ballot timetable in due course.

 

In the meantime, I urge all members to ensure that their details are up to date with the RMT. Members can contact the union if their job title, address, or workplace has recently changed. If any of these changes apply, then please contact the RMT Helpline by Email at info@rmt.org.uk; Alternatively, you can call the RMT Freephone Helpline number on 0800 376 3706. 

 

Yours sincerely

 

Michael Lynch

General Secretary