Union wants “appropriate terms" for Filipino beautician

Trade Union SIPTU has called on Irish Ferries to offer the Filipino beautician at the centre of a major industry dispute “appropriate terms and conditions” for her continued employment aboard the Isle of Inishmore.

Salvacion Orge began work on Wednesday (March 23) and brought a letter from a recruitment agency, which stated that her basic pay was just over E354 a month, with just three days’ holiday each month.

When the issue was brought to the attention of Irish Ferries, the company said the contract had been arranged at local level. A spokesman said the company had decided to withdraw the service and would honour its obligations to Ms Orge.

However, SIPTU says it has taken Ms Orge into membership and says the woman does not wish to return to the Philippines.
However, the company says Ms Orge is not an Irish Ferries employee and it has no intention of taking her into direct employment.