Union might look to spread ‘poverty wages’ campaign to islands
ABOUT 30 members of the Rail and Maritime Transport Union staged a protest at Portsmouth International Port yesterday against ‘poverty wages’ allegedly being paid by Condor Ferries to some of its staff.
The action took place amid claims that some of the company’s Ukrainian employees are being paid £2.46 an hour and working 12-hour shifts as part of three-month contracts.
Condor said that the union’s claim applied to only 5% of its 570 staff working on the Commodore Goodwill and Commodore Clipper.
It added that employees often chose to return to work for Condor rather than taking jobs elsewhere.
Condor executive director Fran Collins said wages were only part of a package offered to staff, which included accommodation, food and uniform.
She said the staff being referred to by the union live on board the ferries.
‘We fully comply with, and indeed exceed, domestic and international employment regulations covering the pay, terms and conditions and protection of all staff, which includes full compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention 2006,’ she said.
But RMT general secretary Mick Cash said it was important to increase wages.
The union has called on politicians and the public in Jersey, Guernsey and the UK to support its demands for a minimum £9.75 an hour wage and recognition of the union.
After the protest, RMT national secretary Steve Todd said it had been a successful day, but the union would like to do more.
‘I think we need to let islanders know what is going on,’ he said, suggesting that action might take place in Jersey next.
‘We just need to work out how to get there – I’m not sure Condor would let us on their ferries.’
He added that a lot of passers-by had asked what the protest was for.
‘We were not far from Condor’s offices, too, so I am sure they heard us.’
Condor said it will make no further comment on the matter following its statement earlier in the week.
