Siptu enlists international help in Irish Ferries row

The union at the centre of the dispute at Irish Ferries has enlisted international support and has called on the junior minister…

The union at the centre of the dispute at Irish Ferries has enlisted international support and has called on the junior minister with responsibility for the marine to intervene.

Branch secretary Mr Paul Smyth said the Minister of State Mr Pat 'the Cope' Gallagher must become involved to save Irish seafaring and revealed that a grouping of international trade unions were taking an interest.

Affiliates of the International Transport Workers Federation met in London today and decided to develop a co-ordinated strategy to oppose what Mr Smyth called "social dumping on the Irish Sea with particular reference to ferries". Afterwards the group called for a meeting with Mr Gallagher.

The dispute which is entering its second week, is centred on plans to lay-off up to 300 workers on the MV Normandy.

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The company says the emergence of low-cost airlines and a subsidy paid by the French government to its main competitor means cost-savings are needed keep the route viable.

Siptu have in the past voiced concern that the plan to replace Irish workers on the Normandywith workers from low-wage economies could set a precedent for the company's routes to Britain.

Today Mr Smyth said management's "astonishing rejection" of plan put forward by the union clearly indicates that the company intends ridding itself of its Irish and British workers.

Management had initially claimed that they would achieve €3.4 million in savings through outsourcing. But when the unions presented proposals for real savings of over €2.4 million a year, management moved the goalposts - saying the target was now in excess of €5 million," Mr Smyth said.

There were no developments over the weekend in the dispute which has seen the cancellation of all Irish Ferries sailings and the laying of between 250 and 300 people.

Talks at the Labour Relations Commission failed on Friday and hauliers and the hospitality industry are concerned about the effects of the strike on their business.