Condor pulled into low pay for ship crews row
IT IS time that the crewing model on ferries, including Condor, was changed, according to Mick Lynch, secretary-general of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers.
The UK government is today due to hear proposals for all ferry companies operating to UK ports to pay their staff the UK minimum wage and this could have an impact on Condor Ferries.
Condor operates from Poole and Portsmouth and its freight and passenger vessels are registered in the Bahamas.
‘RMT has campaigned for years for action to tackle Condor Ferries’ use of exploited international seafarers, from Ukraine and other countries, on pay below the national minimum wage,’ said Mr Lynch.
The union wants to see longer contracts on ferries registered in low-tax, low-regulation states such as the Bahamas, which was also where P&O registered its passenger and freight ferries.
Changes have been proposed after P&O Ferries sacked 800 staff to replace them with agency workers, paid less than the minimum wage.
‘P&O Ferries’ disgraceful illegality has highlighted again the shocking extent of this appalling crewing model on vessels operating from UK ports on international routes,’ said Mr Lynch.
‘Action has been urgently needed for years to stop the decimation of UK seafarer jobs and skills, and the P&O scandal must signal a fightback for UK seafarer jobs and training.
'We look forward to hearing what the government announces.'
Condor did not respond to a request for comment, but has previously said it exceeds domestic and international employment regulations for on-board crew.
