Ferry company P&O acknowledged that the layoffs’ announcement had “outraged” workers and their families.
But the company says the changes it’s making are only in line with standard industry practices. They also say, “Our people don’t wear grass.” Reports on Thursday indicated that private security personnel at Larry Harbor were wearing balconies, but not P&O personnel.
The dismissal of 800 employees, who was notorious for replacing them with agency employees, caused great outrage. Today, Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Baggs, P&O’s parent company, DP World Limited, called for P&O employees to return to work “so the company can recover from a public relations disaster.”
He added: “DP World Limited is the ultimate owner of P&O Ferries and is spending tens of millions of pounds to sponsor the European Tour of Golf, known as the DP World Tour.
“However, the company’s reputation has been tarnished by P&O Ferries’ treatment of its employees, who have been fired without warning via video call. The European Tour is at risk of damage due to their union.”
In a statement issued Friday afternoon, a P&O Ferries spokesperson said: “We know this has happened to our employees without warning and after consultation, and we fully understand that this has caused problems for them and their families.
“We have taken this difficult decision as a last resort and only after considering all other options, but in the end we have concluded that the company cannot survive without radically changed crew arrangements, which in turn will inevitably lead to hiring.
“We have also considered in good faith that it is impossible to reach an agreement and, in this context, the process itself would be extremely disastrous not only for business but also for UK trade and tourism.
“We have provided improved release conditions for victims so that they can be adequately and quickly compensated for the lack of notice and counseling.
“The changes we have made are in line with industry standard practices.
“All affected crews who worked yesterday are being informed face to face and in person about their vessel.
“As for the crew, who were disconnected, P&O Ferries did their best to inform them personally: they contacted individually by phone, as well as by email and SMS.
“Virtual meetings were also held, but of the 800 interested employees, only 261 attended these calls.
To reduce delays for our customers, we reached out to whomever we could contact.
“If any travelers have any questions about traveling with us, we encourage them to contact customer service.
“Our goal is to perform our first serve again in the next day or two, losing 1 million JPY per day when they are not moving.
“The teams that accompanied the sailors of our ships were completely professional in carrying out this difficult task, with due sensitivity.
“Contrary to popular belief, none of our people wore hashish and did not resort to handcuffs or the use of force.”
Source: Belfastlive
Tim-32Brown is a distinguished writer for TodayTimesLive, known for his exceptional talent in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Tim crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for insightful journalism and a commitment to delivering high-quality articles.
