Weir and lock keepers along the River Thames have initiated a vote regarding potential strike action due to safety issues, as reported by a trade union.

The GMB union indicated that its members are currently evaluating whether to proceed with industrial action in response to what they describe as “budget-conscious decisions” that jeopardize the safety of individuals and property.

Currently, there are 52 permanent employees managing the river’s operations, coupled with 10 temporary positions that remain unfilled. However, a 2008 assessment by the Environment Agency (EA) indicated that a workforce of over 100 would be necessary, according to the union.

In a statement, the EA expressed its commitment to collaborating with keepers and unions to “prevent industrial action.”

The voting process for the workers commenced on Friday and will conclude on May 23, as mentioned by the union.

Kevin Brandstatter, a national officer for GMB, highlighted that the weir and lock keepers along the Thames are currently “expected to ensure safety with just half the staff required.”

“With only 52 personnel performing the roles meant for over 90, it’s unsafe given the planned time off, holiday obligations, and instances of sickness,” he explained.

“They simply wish to perform their duties safely and effectively while ensuring public safety – and they may be prepared to strike to make this a reality.”

In March, Mr. Brandstatter expressed his concerns about the situation and cautioned about the possibility of strike action in correspondence with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

The River Thames has 45 non-tidal locks, including those located at Osney and Iffley in Oxfordshire, Caversham and Shiplake in Berkshire, as well as other sites in Buckinghamshire, Surrey, and Greater London.

A spokesperson for the EA stated that lock and weir keepers are “crucial in maintaining the non-tidal Thames and enabling public enjoyment of our waterways.”

“Their safety, alongside that of river users, remains our top priority,” the spokesperson affirmed.

“We are dedicated to continuing our partnership with them and unions to enhance our operations, thereby serving our customers and river users better while avoiding industrial action and safeguarding our staff’s wellbeing.”

“To clarify, we have not proposed any reductions in jobs or services – we will soon share more details about our strategy for modernizing navigation on the Thames.”