No compromise reached in Ferry dispute

Hopes for an end to the Irish Ferries dispute suffered a setback on Monday 5th December when the sides concerned could not come to any agreement, although further talks are expected today (Tuesday 6th December).

Irish Ferries plan to go ahead and remove its ships from the Irish register, so that they can employ cheaper foreign agency workers, much to the resistance of the Trade Unions.
The NIB had hoped to broker a deal with both parties concerned, but SIPTU officials described the proposal as a non-starter, due to Irish Ferries reluctance to negotiate.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has pleaded with Irish Ferries and SIPTU officials to reach an agreement in the very near future, although it looks as if tomorrow's deadline will not be met at this stage.

All Irish Ferries ships have failed to leave their various ports over the last ten days, leaving many hauliers looking for alternative routes to ship their freight at a huge inconvenience.