STENA LINE HOLYHEAD INCIDENT

Our ref: HSR

Head Office Circular NP/298/24

12^th December 2024

To: ALL STENA LINE MEMBERS

 

 

Dear Colleague

 

STENA LINE HOLYHEAD INCIDENT

 

On Saturday during Storm Darragh, you will be aware that an incident occurred at Holyhead Port causing damage to port infrastructure.  Whilst no injuries were reported, and all relevant authorities were informed, your National Secretary has raised concerns at the highest level within Stena Line regarding the assessment of risk and working practices during a red weather warning (danger to life).

 

The implications are that Stena Line services from Holyhead port have been rescheduled from other ports whilst investigations are on ongoing to port infrastructure and alternative arrangements are being considered by your employers’ representatives.

 

Poor communication from the company and no dialogue with any union representatives has created chaotic uncertainty amongst our members seeking clarification.  It is unacceptable that our members have been asked to undertake unreasonable rotational changes at short notice or expected to work involuntary in other ports. 

 

My major concern is that of individuals being tasked to work when a red warning was in place on Saturday.

 

I also have serious concerns about safety, rostering arrangements, and effective communication from your employer about the disruption to your work / life balance.

 

Your National Secretary is in dialogue with various points of contact at the company and will be looking to ascertain answers and address the poor communication culture that currently exists within the port.  

 

Your union will not sit back and allow poor safety practices to exist or standby whilst working practices are implemented without consultation or dialogue with your union representatives. 

 

Lastly, let me take this opportunity to remind members of the company’s “Stop the Job” policy; no member should be undertaking any task in the work environment which they believe to be unsafe.

 

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

 

Michael Lynch

General Secretary