Ferry dispute back in Labour Court

Irish Ferries will return to the Labour Court on Monday 7th November along with SIPTU officials in a bid to finally end the dispute between the parties concerned.

The company plan to outsource crewing on its Irish Sea routes as they plan to replace over 500 seafarers with cheaper labour from Eastern Europe, much to the reluctance of the union workers.
If the plan goes ahead workers will be paid Eur3.60 an hour, which is less than half the Irish minimum wage. But, Irish Ferries believe that with the workers being provided with living accommodation and food on the ships makes up for the loss of earnings.
However, a strike may not be averted as negotiations between the sides is at a standstill and this could have a knock on affect for all hauliers, who could be left stranded with their cargo.