Unite has been in dispute with TfL over the Woolwich Ferry for more than a year. Which party do you believe is in the wrong?

I understand how important the Woolwich Ferry is. It is a vital part of London’s transport network, providing a much-needed, free cross-river link for pedestrians, cyclists, cars, vans and lorries between Woolwich and North Woolwich. It is used by an estimated 2.6 million passengers annually.

I was pleased when TfL took over the management contract for the ferry last year and so it now runs the service as well as owning it. We made this change so we could bring a renewed focused on meeting customer need and improving reliability. It was apparent that there had been significant industrial relations issues within the organisation. It was the right decision to bring the service back inhouse and I was glad to have the support of the trade union Unite in that decision.

TfL wants to create a best-in-class service for the Woolwich Ferry in terms of safety standards, customer services, affordability, performance, reliability, and employee satisfaction. We want the Woolwich Ferry to meet Vision Zero safety principles and be a leader in the maritime sector.

Since this dispute began, TfL has continually made itself available for discussions with Unite with the sole aim of reaching a resolution. TfL has made a number of offers during this time in a bid to resolve the dispute but, regrettably, no agreement has been reached. I met with the General Secretary of Unite in November [2021] to discuss the union’s concerns and follow-up meetings have been scheduled. TfL really is committed to resolving this dispute so that we can keep pressing forward with improvements to the ferry service.

TfL has a well-defined set of objectives for a safe, sustainable, successful, and affordable Woolwich Ferry service, which it has shared with Unite. I believe agreement around these could provide the foundation for both resolving the current dispute and for the future of the ferry. I hope that going back to these principles can help move discussions forward. TfL remains committed to the future safe and reliable operations of the Woolwich Ferry and to working with Unite to resolve the dispute.

It is disappointing that the further talks that took place earlier this week have not been able to move things forward and I would urge Unite to come back to the negotiating table so that a solution can be found.

Thank you, Mr Mayor. As you know, this is a vital link in east London. Until you get your Silvertown Tunnel built, which we welcome, there is no way that larger lorries can get across. Indeed, even double-decker buses cannot get across.

Will you personally intervene, Mr Mayor? I know you indicated that you may have had some talks, but it really has been a bit of a shipwreck since TfL has taken over, which is regrettable because we all welcomed TfL taking over, to be honest. Do you think you can personally intervene to ensure that the service gets back to normal and that we have the service that Londoners deserve?

Thank you for your question and the way you asked it. I agree. I share your concerns.

There are two points to make. Firstly, it is just worth reminding ourselves that there were historical industrial relations issues and this is the legacy of that.

Secondly, yes, I do intend to get more involved in trying to resolve this. There is a way forward. A lot of the issues are legacy issues and so they are not issues that have come because of TfL. We will do whatever we can because - you are spot on - for certain people driving certain vehicles in that part of our city, it is crucial.

OK. We will hold you to that, Mr Mayor. Thank you.