MEMBERS of the Seamen's Union of Ireland have voted by more than two to one to accept the latest settlement terms to their dispute with Irish Ferries.
As a result, the threat of industrial action disrupting cross channel ferry services has been removed.
The dispute was over the loss of earnings 180 SUI members would suffer because of a decision by the company to discontinue winter sailings on the Rosslare to Le Havre route. Compensation terms were narrowly rejected by the SUI last week and, as a result, the final sailing from Rosslare on Sunday was prevented by industrial action.
The union had threatened to extend the action to the busier cross channel routes, but 70 per cent of members on the continental route have now voted to accept amended compensation terms. These provide for a retainer to be paid to the 130 permanent staff on the route while they are laid off.