A UK trade union is reigniting concerns over the 2022 dismissal of approximately 800 seafarers by P&O Ferries, criticizing a government agency for delays in civil investigations against the company’s leadership. The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) has expressed frustration with the Insolvency Service, arguing that the prolonged inquiry undermines public confidence and allows those responsible for the layoffs to evade accountability.
In March 2022, P&O Ferries abruptly made 786 seafarers redundant without prior notice or union consultations, intending to replace them with lower-paid foreign agency workers. This decision prompted significant backlash from workers’ unions and the UK government, leading to a criminal investigation by the Insolvency Service. Despite initial threats of prosecution and fines for potential legal violations, the agency ultimately decided against filing criminal charges, citing an insufficient chance of conviction.
RMT contends that the unresolved civil investigation into the ferry operator’s directors poses a risk of normalizing law-breaking behavior, especially as senior executives have left with bonuses. RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey emphasized the need for accountability, questioning whether corporate law is being enforced fairly when powerful employers are involved. The union has formally requested updates from the Insolvency Service, warning that further delays could damage the agency’s credibility.
In response to the mass layoffs, the UK has enacted measures to enhance protections for seafarers, including mandates for higher wages and restrictions on fire-and-rehire practices. Currently, P&O Ferries operates 11 ro-pax and ro-ro cargo ships, providing services from UK ports to various destinations in Belgium, France, Ireland, and the Netherlands.
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