GMB Union has demanded a meeting with P&O Ferries bosses over the future of onshore workers after the ‘shameful’ sacking of hundreds of seafarers.
The company this week slashed the jobs of 800 loyal employees in a ‘terrible day’ for the Maritime industry.
These sacked seafarers kept the country going during the covid pandemic, keeping shipping lines open and ensuring essential equipment, food and other supplies flowed between the UK and Europe, GMB says.
Management at P&O Ferries have not made these workers redundant; they have been sacked.
Frank Macklin, GMB Organiser, said
“This is a terrible day for the UK maritime industry.
“Our hearts go out to all the decent, hardworking, loyal seafaring colleagues who were sacked yesterday and their families.
“Management at P&O Ferries, under the leadership of CEO Mr Peter Heblethwaite, should hang their heads in shame.
“Mr Heblethwaite didn’t have the decency to tell seafarers, some of whom have given their lives to this company, that they were sacked. He bottled it, passing the buck to one of the company’s newest employees.
“P&O Ferries are struggling because year after year the board has made one disastrous management decision after another.
“Incredibly, senior managers are still in their jobs while decent seafarers get sacked.
“Parent company DP World must step in now and tackle the failed management of P&O Ferries – or they must be stripped of the licence to operate UK Freeports.
“GMB now demands a meeting with management to guarantee the future of GMB’s onshore members.”
