Peter Lazenby
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GOVERNMENT treachery plumbed new depths today when it was revealed it has been awarding contracts to disgraced ferry firm P&O since it unlawfully sacked almost 800 workers.
The sackings in March and replacement of workers with cheaper agency labour caused nationwide outrage and a boycott of P&O Ferries.
The situation was condemned by the Tory front bench in the House of Commons.
But in a written answer to a question in the House of Commons, Defence Minister Jeremy Quin has confirmed that “the department has made use of P&O Ferries services since March 17 2022, in support of operational requirements.”
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “By signing contracts with the pariah P&O Ferries, the Conservative government is helping to undercut thousands of British seafarer jobs at Stena Line, DFDS and across the shipping industry.
“In stark contrast to the stealth attacks on the principle of industrial action, the government dragged its feet in response to P&O and is only now introducing legislation.”
The Seafarers Wages Bill was due to reach the House of Lords yesterday.
Mr Lynch said: “At the same time, we learn that the government is signing contracts again with P&O, providing revenue to a Dubai-owned company that admitted to breaking UK employment law and said that it would do so again.
“We urge the government to issue a statement prohibiting public contracts with P&O Ferries and DP World, and to put collectively bargained terms and conditions on the face of the Seafarers Wages Bill.
“Trade union power is the only effective way to protect UK seafarer jobs from the likes of P&O.”
