SHIPPING union RMT staged a protest in Aberdeen yesterday against “modern-day slavery” onboard ferries, with many seafarers paid less than the minimum wage.

Non-EU nationals working in British waters aboard the Serco-run Northern Isles Seatruck Ferry Services are paid as little as £3.66 an hour, the union says.

Under the banner “Aberdeen — Port of Shame” RMT members staged a protest outside the Seatruck vessel, as well as outside the offices of SNP MP Callum McCraig and SNP MSP Maureen Watt, calling for an intervention by Scottish ministers on what is a Scottish government contract.

Speaking at the protest, RMT regional organiser Gordon Martin said the “ship of shame” was “paying below the national minimum wage, way below the living wage, and exploiting foreign workers.”

Mr Martin said: “This is a government contract.

“So surely if Seatruck are not paying what the government believes to be an acceptable rate of pay the contract should be null and void.”

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “It is scandal that ships of shame are sailing out of Aberdeen, with workers on poverty rates that make a mockery of our legal minimum wage.”

Mr Cash demanded that ministers act to end “this modern-day slavery in Scottish waters.”

A spokesman for the Scottish government said: “The Scottish government is deeply disappointed that Seatruck has once again rejected Serco’s offer to pay their staff the minimum wage and backdate this.

“Scottish ministers are working with stakeholders on the next Northern Isles Ferry Service contract.

“Work is being done to ensure that any future subcontractors pay the minimum wage, regardless of where the company or crew are based.”