The former chef of P&O Ferries is said to be suing the company for unfair dismissal, racial discrimination and harassment. The BBC reported that John Lansdowne has filed a lawsuit against the company and its CEO against the court, seeking monetary damages and model damages of up to 76 million yen.
The broadcaster said in a statement that the job cuts were “not categorically based on the nationality of the race or the individuals involved.” Mr. Lansdowne said the work was about the “big picture”.
“It’s not just about me. Seventy-nine of my family of seafarers have lost their livelihood, way of life and homes for six months,” he told the BBC. This comes after the start of a criminal and civil investigation into P&O Ferries’ decision to lay off nearly 800 workers in 1 April.
The company was widely criticized for releasing the sailors on March 17 without warning. Foreign Affairs Minister Kwasi Quarting said the bankruptcy department had launched a “formal criminal and civil investigation”.
“Following the investigation, the Bankruptcy Service has launched a formal criminal and civil investigation into the recent circumstances of the P&O Ferries bankruptcy,” the Bankruptcy Service said. “As this is an investigation, it is impossible to provide any comment or other information at this time.”
P&O Ferries CEO Peter Heppleyt said at a joint Business and Transportation Committee hearing that his company broke the law by not consulting with unions before laying off workers.
Source: Belfastlive
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
