Thursday, November 24, 2005
Irish Ferries strike keeps ships in port
A dispute over the employment of overseas workers on Irish Ferries ships has led to the
Isle of Inishmore ferry, which was due to sail between Pembroke Dock and Rosslare, and the Ulysees ferry sailing from Holyhead to Dublin, remaining in port on Thursday night.
It is understood the dispute began on Thursday afternoon after new staff, including several eastern Europeans, were recruited on board the Isle of Inishmore which was due to set sail at 14h30 GMT.
The staff believe that Irish Ferries want to replace them with cheaper labour from overseas. They will replace staff who have accepted voluntary redundancy. Irish Ferries see the measure as a way of remaining competitive in a ferry market where the workforce is recruited internationally.
Isle of Inishmore ferry, which was due to sail between Pembroke Dock and Rosslare, and the Ulysees ferry sailing from Holyhead to Dublin, remaining in port on Thursday night.
It is understood the dispute began on Thursday afternoon after new staff, including several eastern Europeans, were recruited on board the Isle of Inishmore which was due to set sail at 14h30 GMT.
The staff believe that Irish Ferries want to replace them with cheaper labour from overseas. They will replace staff who have accepted voluntary redundancy. Irish Ferries see the measure as a way of remaining competitive in a ferry market where the workforce is recruited internationally.
