Larn Harbor workers feel like they’re living a ‘bad dream’ after sudden iterations

P&O Ferries employees, who were laid off in Port Larney, described how they felt as if they were living a “bad dream” after agency staff changed them without warning.

The crews of Larn ferries bound for Cairnryan were among 800 employees who lost their jobs Thursday after the company suddenly stopped shipping.

Passengers were avoiding British ports, and navigation was delayed and canceled. The stunned Larne workers from their ship, a European ship, were escorted by guards armed with balconies and handcuffs.

Workers at Larney Harbor P&O station protested Friday afternoon and spoke out after their ordeal.

Daniel MacDonald has been at P&O Ferries for 17 years and served as Associate Director on the European track until Thursday.

The 45-year-old works two weeks, two weeks off, and usually starts his shift on the ship at 8am. However, he was soon informed by a colleague that the ship was not sailing that day.

“I was wondering if there was an engine problem and they told me they didn’t know, but they were sending out all the cars. Normally, if there was a delay, the cars would stay,” Daniel told Belfast Live.

The captain told us senior management would be making an announcement and said he didn’t know what was going on. He was simply told that not all P&O ships should sail until further notice.

And then your brain starts thinking: Have we all lost our jobs? Did they break up? Think of a worst-case scenario, but what we didn’t expect in the future.”

Then two people representing P&O and “about 20 guards” boarded the ship, read a statement on behalf of the company and saluted the staff.

Daniel said: Several guards bound, one of whom was wearing a mask. The captain was very angry and asked if there was a need? They were standing at the door with their hands crossed, he went crazy and felt guilty.

“They read a statement that P&O was losing money and all Jersey P&O contracts were terminated as soon as possible. We had two hours to collect our things and then get them off the ship.

“I couldn’t tell some of my colleagues, with whom I worked for 17 years, they took me to my salon, where I brought my personal belongings. I walked out with my suitcase and suitcases, things fell. Outside, they stood and looked at me.”

“I went up the slope and handed my pass and they gave me the envelope, there was a bus, with a team waiting to arrive and we worked to get out. So our work is still there, it was there. It was delivered to different people.”

Adding that he still has stomachaches and seems to be living a bad dream, Daniel is now looking for a new job. He believes that P&O should not treat its loyal and dedicated employees in this way.

He said, “This is your life, this is all you did and this is your salary at the end of the month. I understand companies may have money problems, but you should contact your employees.

“If they had the time to get a new team, because they didn’t have time to go out and make a public statement and say they were fighting, at least we got away with it. We were basically kicked out of our house. Horrific.

“I still feel like it’s not happening. I feel like two weeks have passed and I’ll be back. I woke up this morning and the first thing I thought was I should get a job early. They offer. Unnecessary, but that doesn’t mean they did it and how well they did it.” “.

RMT’s Danny McQuaid, who also lost his job at P&O on Thursday, said he still “can’t believe it.” Having worked at sea for 33 years, he has worked for P&O for the past 18 years as a surface officer on the European Highway.

“It is just a shock to the system,” he said. “It is a shame that so many workers have spent their lives here on the ship and it is cruel for them to escape in this way.

“It is unfortunate what is happening and we must hold them accountable, we cannot lie down and accept the unethical treatment we have received.

“Our work is not finished, it is only given to other people. They are taking advantage of the opportunity to cover losses incurred during the pandemic. Other companies on similar roads have faced the same difficulties. And overcame these problems.

Now the restrictions have been loosened, more passengers have arrived, and everything looks fine. They are taking advantage of the situation and using it as an excuse to the detriment of loyal and hardworking employees.

“Now the feeling has turned to anger and I really think so. It will take some time to get over this shock because everyone here is unemployed and it is not the time to look for a job.”

Danny said his advice to anyone who regularly uses the Larn to Cairnryan Road is to “don’t go to the P&O.”

“Until this situation is resolved, try an alternative, like a company 20 miles away that goes to the same place and actually actively gathers in local areas,” he added.