DOVER, England – Commerce unions protested at British ferry ports on Friday after Dubai-owned P&O Ferries abruptly sacked 800 staff through a video message, drawing widespread condemnation and elevating the prospect of disruption to key vacationer and items routes.
P&O, which is owned by Dubai ports agency DP World, is recovering from a troublesome two years when COVID-19 prevented vacationers from travelling on its routes between Britain, France, Eire and elsewhere in northern Europe.
P&O mentioned on Thursday it had misplaced 100 million kilos ($131 million) within the final 12 months and that with out modifications its enterprise was not sustainable. Employees had been reportedly instructed its ships would as an alternative be crewed by a third-party contractor to chop prices.
In Dover, Britain’s busiest ferry port, about 150 protesters gathered and truck drivers honked their horns in assist however providers operated by different carriers weren't visibly disrupted. Demonstrations additionally passed off within the English ports of Liverpool and Hull, and the Northern Irish port of Larne.
“Yesterday’s occasions also needs to mark a sea change in how we deal with staff on this nation,” mentioned Mick Lynch, normal secretary of the RMT Union.
The overarching Commerce Union Congress referred to as for staff’ rights to be strengthened, together with through a brand new legislation to finish the so-called ‘fireplace and rehire’ follow which some companies have used to re-employ staff at decrease wages to chop post-pandemic prices.
Transport minister Grant Shapps mentioned he was shocked and dismayed by P&O’s actions: “Sacked through a pre-recorded Zoom video with simply half-hour discover – no approach to deal with workers within the twenty first century.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s workplace mentioned the federal government was taking a look at whether or not the sackings had been lawful earlier than deciding on any additional steps.
DP World didn't instantly reply to a request for touch upon Friday.
The operator suspended its routes between Britain and the European Union and British province Northern Eire, that are key for the move of products.
Whereas there are various channel crossings to Europe for good automobiles, lowered capability might have an effect on provide strains.
“A chronic interruption to P&O providers, that are an vital a part of UK provide chains, might finally affect the move of products,” mentioned Andrew Opie, director of meals and sustainability on the British Retail Consortium.
There are fewer various routes between Britain and Northern Eire.
($1 = 0.7618 kilos)
Post a Comment