Maritime union RMT has responded to the prospect of 60 workers at P&O Ferries losing their jobs; P&O Ferries says these proposals do not affect those below leadership level in any of its UK, Ireland or European ports or any colleagues aboard its vessels
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said in a statement, “This is another shameful chapter in the history of P&O Ferries where yet again they show scant regard for the livelihoods of their workforce.”
P&O Ferries is considering cutting 60 UK jobs and is consulting with colleagues and trade unions about proposed changes to its management structure. Last year, P&O Ferries fired 786 of its employees.
Mr Lynch said, "Another 60 job losses comes on the back of introducing new vessels to its fleet at a cost of over £200M (US$249M). Over the past 12 months, this company has demonstrated no loyalty or commitment to its workforce or local economies in the ports in which it operates while jeopardising the safety of travelling passengers.”
He said the government should “immediately” strip P&O ferries and its parent company “of any right to operate from UK Ports”.
Mr Lynch accused the government of failing to hold P&O Ferries to account and “as such, Peter Hebblethwaite and those at DP World continue to cause destruction in the UK maritime sector”.
He summed up, "RMT continues to campaign for fair pay agreements, an end to discrimination and real sanctions against P&O Ferries that will deliver the decent jobs and skills our maritime communities need."
A P&O Ferries spokesperson said, “We are consulting with our colleagues and trade unions about proposed changes to our management structure. Our proposals aim to put us on a competitive, sustainable footing, and deliver for our customers by offering the best-in-class service on the vital UK tourist and trade routes that we serve.”
They explained, “These proposals do not affect our operational colleagues below leadership level in any of our UK, Ireland or European ports or any colleagues aboard our vessels”.
The spokesperson added, “We are focused on investing heavily to meet the long-term needs of our customers who want value for money, greener journeys and flexibility. We have already improved our service, boosted our competitiveness, and are generating growth while significantly reducing our carbon emissions.”
On the Dover-Calais route, P&O Ferries has saved more than 85,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually, and its new hybrid ships coming into service this year will further cut its carbon footprint.
P&O Ferries’ spokesperson added, “Our level of investment in new technology and capacity is unprecedented in the UK passenger and freight maritime industry and demonstrates our long-term commitment to supporting the growth of the UK economy.”
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