On Friday 27th May @2pm at Larne Port there is a SOLIDARITY CALL in support of @RMTunion sacked P&O workers as they organise a series of further demonstrations against P&O Ferries’ disgraceful assault on seafarer members’ jobs and livelihoods.
On March 2022 P&O Ferries sacked 800 staff with no advanced warning or consultation, and replace them with agency workers in an attempt to increase their profits at the expense of workers' working conditions and wage reduction.
The Ireland branch issued a solidarity statement at the time in support of P&O workers:
''Total solidarity with P&O workers!
P&O Ferries have sacked 800 members of staff over a video call today to be replaced by agency staff who will inevitably face worse working conditions and pay as a direct result of the greed and cruelty displayed by management. The Industrial Workers of the World stand fully with all crew and staff who have lost their job at the whim of fat-cat bosses rushing to shore up potential losses for their investors. We fully support the crew members who have occupied their ships in protest at the outrageous mass-sacking. We send our solidarity to RMT and Nautilus International unions as they fight for their members in this unprecedented mass-firing.Management has reportedly hired private security to board ships at Larne Port to remove workers by force. They are reported to have tasers, handcuffs, and some are even donning balaclavas to enforce this despicable decision to fire 800 dedicated workers on the spot. We stand with occupying workers. We stand with all who’ve been fired by the wealthy managers of P&O Ferries. We recognise that the agency staff that P&O Ferries seek to hire will face worse conditions at the hands of this greedy company.''
This issue has not gone away, and trade unions are issuing a call once again to support P&O workers: "If this happens at P&O it can happen anywhere and we are calling for mass trade union and wider public mobilisation and protest against the company. P&O must be held to account''.
If any Fellow Workers are available to attend the protest to express your support and solidarity this would be a welcome gesture at this time.
An injury to one is an injury to all!
Remember too: that the British Government gave the bosses the green light to pull this shite on us, and only a few short months ago... https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-58997916