Ferry crew appeal to States for help

Due to the coronavirus and Condor’s consequent decision to stop crossings between St Malo and the Channel Islands, the Condor Rapide crew, who are French residents, have been temporarily unemployed since 22 March.

In a letter addressed to the States of Guernsey, which the Guernsey Press has been sent a copy of, a seafarers union representative explained the ultimatum staff were given, and said they had been told to make a decision no later than 5 April.

‘We are urging you [the States], as quick as possible, to implement the “business support” in favour of the employees of Condor,’ the letter from Laure Tallonneau, from the International Transport Federation, said.

‘The company is registered in Guernsey and seafarers are in permanent employment. This plan aims to face the no-payment of wages for all employees and seafarers of Condor are in the same difficult situation as others.’

In a letter to Condor staff from executive director Rebecca Gilbert, the company said it appreciated employees’ understanding of the difficult situation over the past few weeks.

She outlined the changes to contracts that would be needed during this difficult time.

Three options were available: to take a period of unpaid leave where rest days and annual leave would be frozen; voluntary redundancy; or the option of receiving a minimum of 50% salary in April, requiring the employee to be available for half of the month and work half of the month.

The letter to staff went on to explain that at this stage the company was considering all options for reducing costs due to no passenger revenue.

‘If we are not able to make short-term cost savings, the company may have to consider commencement of compulsory redundancy consultations.’

Ms Guilbert wrote that Condor hoped to resume operations on 15 May.

‘Work is ongoing with governments from different countries to seek financial support for seafarers.’

A spokesperson for Condor said the company did not make public comments on employment issues.