RMT calls on Boris Johnson to meet a delegation of sacked P&O workers

RMT calls on Boris Johnson to meet a delegation of sacked P&O workers

21 March 2022

RMT Press Office:

RMT has called for Boris Johnson to meet a delegation of sacked P&O workers as it emerged the government have delayed for over two years from taking action on legislation that would have protected workers.

RMT has called on Boris Johnson to meet a delegation of sacked P&O workers as it emerged the government have delayed taking action on legislation that would have protected workers for over two years.

The Union has pointed to commitments made in 2020 in a parliamentary debate by the Minister Viscount Younger of Leckie on the need to introduce legislation to stop shipping companies paying below the minimum wage. P&O are using the fact that they can pay below the Minimum wage to sack British seafarers and bring in cheaper Labour.

The Minister said;

“Maritime is the only sector in the UK that continues to permit this [nationality-based pay discrimination]. The industry will still state that differential pay is the necessary requirement and that seafarers are paid a competitive rate when considered against the average salaries they could receive in their own countries. I acknowledge that this remains a difficult argument to accept when it would not be accepted in any other sector. The Government will consider whether further changes are required when the Equality Act regulations are reviewed towards the end of this year.”


RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said;

“It is scandalous that over two years ago the government knew there was a problem with the legislation but failed to act. Their failure has now led to today’s crisis.

“We are calling for the Prime Minister to meet with sacked workers. We don’t want a photo opportunity, we want him to sit down and say what emergency action he is going to take to reverse the dismissals.”

Want to receive updates from us? Subscribe to a mailing list

Tagged with: P&O ferries, sacked seafarers,