TREATMENT OF SEAFARERS

Motion Text

That this House is deeply concerned at the recent actions of Irish Ferries in seeking forcibly to dismiss Irish seafarers; notes that the company employed security guards at Pembroke and Holyhead in an attempt to replace the Irish crew with seafarers from Eastern Europe on exploitative pay and conditions; further notes that if the company succeeds in its actions it will severely undermine United Kingdom seafarers' jobs, particularly those in the Irish Sea sector; believes such actions are indefensible; further notes the continued discrimination against foreign national seafarers in United Kingdom waters; and therefore calls on the United Kingdom Government to work with the Irish government to prevent such abuses and to ensure that United Kingdom and Irish seafarers have a future in the United Kingdom ferry industry.