Last-gasp ferry talks bid to break impasse

LAST-DITCH efforts to find a resolution to the Irish Ferries dispute continued at the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) last night despite little sign of a breakthrough.

After three days of LRC talks on a package of possibilities suggested by the National Implementation Body on Sunday night, both sides remain deadlocked on the Irish Ferries plan to circumvent Irish labour law by registering its vessels in Cyprus.

SIPTU marine branch official Paul Smyth indicated yesterday that the union was hopeful, but not optimistic, about reaching an agreement.

Mr Smyth said the union would be offering significant savings to the company and could see no reason why agreement could not be reached.

However, with the NIB deadline for talks due to expire last night, it remained unclear how long both sides would continue to seek a resolution.

In the meantime, Irish Ferries vessels in Pembroke and Holyhead in Wales remain stranded with some crew members barricaded on board.

In Dublin another ship is also immobilised while port workers refuse to allow any Irish Ferries vessel to dock.

As preparations continue for a national day of protest in Dublin and seven other locations tomorrow, teachers’ trade unions expressed disappointment at the decision by Education Minister Mary Hanafin to dock the pay of teachers who attend the march.

Schools are expected to remain open, but public transport services in cities are expected to be disrupted during Friday afternoon as members of bus and rail unions down tools to attend.

All ESB unions have now also decided to take part in the march and have requested their members to ensure a maximum turnout.

However, arrangements will be made to ensure that sufficient staff remain to ensure the safe running of plant and the provision of emergency and breakdown services.