Mulvey warns on dispute's consequences

The Labour Relations Commission (LRC) chief executive Kieran Mulvey has stated that the continuing standoff at Irish Ferries will have implications for the wider business community.

Mr Mulvey stated that the commission was continuing to assess the positions put to it by Irish Ferries and SIPTU with an effort to find a framework for negotiations.
"Ultimately this dispute will have to be resolved in some shape or form around the negotiating table by mutual agreement or understanding," he said.

The employers' body IBEC has also warned that the dispute would have an impact on exporters at an important time of the year.
The LRC will make fresh attempts on Tuesday, November 29th, to find a basis for talks.
Representatives of Irish Ferries and SIPTU met the LRC separately on Monday November 28th for the first round of discussions, but no progress was made towards a resolution.

The Isle of Inishmore and Ulysess have been stranded in Welsh ports since last week as a standoff involving ships' officers continued.
They have been refusing to sail the ships since the company began to implement its plan to replace the unionised seafarers with agency workers on lower rates of pay.

The MV Normandy sailed back to France on Monday, November 29th, without any passengers.