Woolwich ferry workers have unanimously backed strike action in a dispute over pay and use of agency staff.

100% of Unite's 26 union members voted "yes" for strike action if talks planned for next week fail.

A strike would cause major disruption to the Woolwich river crossing/ Unite have accused Woolwich ferry operator, Briggs Marine, of riding roughshod over long stanbding agreements and practices, including the extension of sick pay payments in exceptional cases, which threaten a serious loss of earnings.

Unite regional officer, Onay Kasab, said: "Our members couldn't be clearer. A 100 percent vote in favour of strike action is a vote against Briggs Marine's heavy handed attempts to bully workers into accepting attacks to long standing agreements and practices that must not be ignored.

"The decision to take strike action is never easy. Unite has a proud track record of working with employers to resolve disputes and we believe that reaching a negotiated settlement to this dispute makes sense for our members and the company."

The 26 Unite members include crew, electricians and road traffic teams.

Negotiations between Unite and Briggs Marine will take place on January 28.

Mr Kassab added: "Unite welcomes Briggs Marine's commitment to talks but warns that strike action remains firmly on the cards after the strong vote in favour of strike action."

A spokeswoman for Briggs Marine Contractors Ltd said: "We remain committed to finding a way forward and avoiding disruption to our passengers.  

"To this end, we had a good meeting with Unite last Thursday (January 15) and have another planned for next Wednesday (January 28), in which we hope to make further progress."