Union Demands Action on P&O Ferries Scandal as Labour Prepares New Bill

The Nautilus International maritime officers' union is pressing the UK government to fulfill its commitment to hold P&O Ferries and its leadership accountable for the controversial mass dismissal of 800 employees in March 2022. This call comes as Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner prepares to introduce the Employment Rights Bill next month.

Mark Dickinson, Nautilus' general secretary, emphasized the importance of maintaining the promised seafarers' charter, which aims to bolster workers' rights in the maritime sector. The charter, proposed in response to the P&O scandal, seeks to establish minimum standards for pay, work schedules, staffing levels, pensions, taxation, and training.

Dickinson cautioned against potential lobbying efforts to dilute protections for maritime workers, stating, "Don't lose sight of the pledges. Nothing has changed. P&O happened and we have to make sure it doesn't happen again."

The union is also urging increased pressure on the Insolvency Service, which launched an investigation into P&O Ferries 2.5 years ago. Despite Peter Hebblethwaite, P&O's chief executive, admitting to breaking the law by dismissing workers without consultation, no punitive actions have been taken yet.

P&O Ferries, a British shipping company founded in 1837, operates ferries between the UK, Ireland, and Continental Europe. The mass sacking in 2022 led to widespread protests and political backlash, highlighting issues of worker protection in the global shipping industry. The company's actions were widely criticized for violating UK labor laws and sparked debates about corporate responsibility and ethics.

The scandal has had lasting impacts on P&O Ferries' reputation and operations. With a fleet of more than 20 vessels, the company employs thousands of workers across its passenger and freight services. The controversy led to calls for boycotts and increased scrutiny of employment practices in the maritime sector.

Mike Kane, the minister for aviation, maritime and security, recently stated at the Labour conference that the government would ensure P&O's actions could never be repeated. However, he noted that employment issues were not part of his remit.

A government spokesperson declined to comment on the specifics of the upcoming Employment Rights Bill but affirmed, "The mass sackings by P&O Ferries were a national scandal which cannot be allowed to happen again. That's why we are absolutely committed to improving protections for seafarers and to making work pay."

As the maritime industry watches closely, the outcome of this case could have significant implications for worker rights and corporate accountability in the UK shipping sector.

"I don't know why it's taking so long. We need to see that process completed. They need to be brought to justice and they need to account for their actions."