NO TO SOCIAL DUMPING ON CONDOR FERRIES

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: march 2014 :: RMTnews 7 Trade unionists and ITF inspectors held protests in Portsmouth last month against the employment practices of ferry operator Condor Ferries. Condor Ferries, which runs vessels between the UK, Channel Islands and France, pays as little as £2.35 per hour to Ukrainian crews that it brought on-board to replace British crews – well below the United Kingdom’s minimum wage. Using the excuse that they are non-domiciled in the European Union, these seafarers are also made to work longer hours of duty, while receiving shorter leave. The union has a long running campaign against social dumping in the UK shipping industry which has exposed the scandal on Condor Ferries that make a complete mockery of both UK and EU employment rights. RMT general secretary Bob Crow said that the exploitation of foreign nationals in the British shipping industry was a massive scandal that the political elite wanted to keep quiet. “That’s no surprise as it’s their wealthy mates running the shipping companies who benefit from this scam that dodges normal employment regulations while the European Union refuses to lift a finger. “Social dumping allows the most rotten employers in the book to batter down wages and conditions,” he said. RMT national secretary Steve Todd said that the fight to stop the scandal of social dumping remained a priority for RMT. “We will continue to turn the spotlight on the shameful practices that this ConDem government legitamises in the British shipping industry with the collusion of the EU,” he said. International Transport Workers’ Federation coordinator Ken Fleming said that he had travelled these routes and spoken with these crews. “There’s no doubt they’re being paid a pittance,” he said NO TO SOCIAL DUMPING ON CONDOR FERRIES RMT steps up campaign against social dumping in maritime sector