Following the sacking of almost 800 working staff by P&O Ferries earlier this month, the UK government initiates a global discussion on seafarer minimum pay.
The transport secretary, Grant Shapps, announced that he will bring forward new legislation in order to ban ferries that do not pay their workers the national minimum wage from docking at British ports.
The British Government has called on the International Maritime Organization to hold an international summit, aiming to discussing the rights of the seafarers at sea and to revising the basic pay standards around the world.
Grant Shapps also addressed the issue to France, the Netherlands, Ireland and Denmark to propose bilateral agreements. Under these agreements it would ensure routes between the countries become so-called minimum wage corridors, where nationals from either country must be paid an agreed minimum wage.
We can boast some of the highest maritime standards in the world, but for too long some employers have managed to avoid showing workers the most basic respect. Ensuring a fair wage for our seafarers means UK workers are not undercut by employers, and it reiterates the UK flag as one of the most respected in the world.
…Shapps said.
The transport secretary also noted that P&O’s behavior has appalled the nation and that he wants to make it absolutely clear that UK will not tolerate their actions or allow anyone else to follow suit – and this package of measures will act as a strong deterrent.
Recently. in a joint statement, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) called on DP World to engage in meaningful dialogue with affiliates RMT and Nautilus International about P&O Ferries’ future.
On March 22, UK MPs have voted in favor of an Opposition Day Motion condemning P&O Ferries and demanding that the government take action to improve employment protection for all workers in light of the company’s actions.
As an effort to relief the seafarers, the Seafarers’ Charity’s UK Maritime Anchor Fund is now open for applications for those impacted by the P&O Ferries redundancies. It will support seafarers through financial help, advice, relationship counselling and mental health and wellbeing support and counselling.
Despite the whole criticism, P&O Ferries CEO, Peter Hebblethewaite, still insists on his decision to fire all its UK seafarers to bring in cheaper agency workers. He, however, seems to be supporting an increase in the minimum wage.
