"For years we've had sub standard pay rises. We're hoping to change that." — Red Funnel employees have been out in force in East Cowes this morning (Wednesday), as strike action over pay begins.
Displaying banners and placards, disgruntled employees stood in the picket line outside the ferry firm's terminal.
Around 20 per cent of the workforce (120 Unite the Union members) are striking on the Island and in Southampton in a row over "poverty" pay.
Another 11 days of action are planned over the next month.
Workers argue wages have effectively been cut, with conditions said to only be getting "worse".
Speaking to Isle of Wight Radio, Unite member Owen said staff didn't want to strike but have been left with no choice.
"If you look at the industry and the cost of living. It's not keeping pace. For me personally, my wage has actually dropped and with national insurance increases and such it's less money every month in everyone's pockets. It's becoming harder and harder to survive on this sole income working for Red Funnel.
"We're not talking about a company which is struggling. We're talking about a company which makes tens of millions of pounds a year. And has done consistently for a number of years now. We appreciate COVID was difficult but they were still, as far as I'm aware, still in profit.
"And they were still accepting hand outs from the Government. They furloughed staff with Government money and they accepted Government grants to keep them afloat."
Red Funnel insists its pay offer of 4.5 per cent, increasing to 6.5 per cent for the lowest paid staff, is "fair and reasonable".
The ferry firm said "it must be realistic in terms of what the business can afford to ensure it can continue to provide lifeline services for customers and promote the long-term success of the Island economy."
East Cowes councillor, Cameron Palin, joined the workers on the picket line.
He claims staff are "in the right" and the company "is in the wrong".
"They [Red Funnel] are a multi-million pound company, that are managed by two billion pound companies. They can afford to give workers the pay and conditions they deserve. I'm here supporting them.
"I don't feel they listen to their workers, their community, or the wider Island. I am here supporting them as a member of the local council because they are in the right here and they are in the wrong.
"None of us want these strikes to take place but they are having to because Red Funnel aren't offering the pay they deserve."
A temporary timetable is in place on the car ferry.
Further disruption is now expected with tonight's sailings affected.
Red Jets aren't affected.
Workers will join the picket line again next Monday (1).
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