Union representatives claimed today they have secured improved pay and conditions for Russian and Filipino crew members on a ship that was refused entry to Dublin Port.
Ken Fleming, International Transport Federation
International Transport Federation inspector Ken Fleming, who has assisted in a number of recent disputes involving such workers, boarded the Miriam Borchardvessel this morning.
He said the ship was refused entry to Dublin port because of fears that a "protracted dispute" could see it tied up in the port. It was ordered to wait in a holding area outside the port until the dispute was settled.
"Mr Fleming went out to the Miriam Borchardon a pilot vessel this morning to hear the grievances of the seven Filipinos and five Russians who comprise the crew," a statement said.
"After three hours of negotiations with the Borchard Line he secured an agreement from the company to reduce the basic working hours from 300 a month to 150. Additional hours worked will be paid at ordinary overtime rates for the first 103 hours and at premium rates for any extra hours worked," a statement said.
"This will raise the crew's monthly pay from $850 (€636) to $1,550 (€1,160)."
A Latvian-registered ship, Fortuna 1, has been strike-bound at Greenore port in Co Louth since yesterday after 11 crew members refused to operate it until they are paid monies they claim are owed to them since November.
Mr Fleming claimed the men have been working approximately 300 hours a month. Although their basic pay is €257 a month, he said the overtime means that the arrears will be substantial when unpaid overtime is factored in.
Attempts by The Irish Timesto contact the Latvia-based owners of the vessel were unsuccessful yesterday.