River Thames safety concerns could lead to strike

A trade union has said River Thames lock and weir keepers are set to be balloted for industrial action over safety concerns.

The GMB told the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) that workers could strike after "budget-driven decisions" are "putting people and property at risk".

It said there are 52 permanent staff working on the river, along with 10 currently unfilled temporary roles, but an Environment Agency (EA) assessment in 2008 found more than 100 staff were needed.

The EA said workers' and river users' safety is a "top priority" and that it will give further details on "modernising navigation on the Thames" later.

The union said severe weather and flooding has been caused by climate change but that members must manage multiple weirs and have been denied rest periods between shifts.

In a letter to Defra minister Emma Hardy, GMB national officer Kevin Brandstatter said the union wants a "thorough review" of the river's staffing.

Other "promised equipment", such as laptops, should also be provided, he said.

"EA management has set a budget for staffing of the weirs and locks on the River Thames which is half of what is needed," Mr Brandstatter added.

There are 45 non-tidal locks on the River Thames, including Osney and Iffley in Oxfordshire, Caversham and Shiplake in Berkshire and others in Buckinghamshire, Surrey and Greater London.

"The lock and weir keeper role is an important aid in maintaining the non-tidal Thames and allowing the public to enjoy our waterways. Their safety, and the safety of river users, is a top priority," an EA spokesperson said.

"To be clear, we have not proposed any cuts to jobs or services – and we will provide further detail on our approach to modernising navigation on the Thames in due course."

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