STAFF at a Hampshire ferry operator are to be balloted on strike action following the sacking of a colleague.

RMT union members at Wightlink in Portsmouth will be asked to vote on the possibility of industrial action from tomorrow.

The union claims that representative Paul Kelly was dismissed by Wightlink with disregard for correct procedures, because of his union activities.

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said: “Paul Kelly’s case is one of the most blatant examples of victimisation for union activities you will ever come across.

"Once again RMT finds itself having to defend an elected and accredited union representative, whose only real crime is to continually defend the members he represents, regularly challenging the company and ensuring all agreements are followed correctly."

He added: "As a result, and in order to obtain justice in the face of this blatant victimisation, RMT will begin balloting tomorrow for strike action and action short of strike covering all Wightlink [Guernsey] Ltd members who work on the Portsmouth routes.

"RMT remains available for talks and we will pursue all channels to obtain justice in Paul Kelly’s case.”