Union calls for protection of ship workers

THE country’s largest trade union has called on the Government to protect workers on Irish ships and ferries from exploitation following the case of a Filipino beautician who was hired for €1 an hour.

Savacion Y Ortener Orge hit the headlines in March when she refused to leave an Irish Ferries ship, docked in Rosslare, for six days until she got fair pay or a settlement. Following negotiations between SIPTU and the company, the 44-year-old mother of three accepted a €25,000 settlement from the company.

But yesterday, SIPTU warned another case like this could easily happen unless the Employment Permits Bill, which is currently being drafted, is changed.

The legislation is designed to protect migrant workers. But Tony Ayton, SIPTU’s international transport inspector, said ships that are not Irish-registered will not have to obey the legislation.

Mr Ayton has written to Labour Affairs Minister Tony Killeen asking him to amend the bill to ensure it is applicable to all ships that are beneficially owned in Ireland and which operate scheduled services into any port in this jurisdiction.

“I am not asking for Ireland to become the world’s policeman that must jump on every rogue ship that enters our waters, but I want Irish-owned ferries like those operated by Cork/Swansea, Irish Ferries and Irish Continental to be designated as Irish places of employment,” Mr Ayton said.

The minister’s spokesman said he is examining the case and will take it into account before the final draft of the Bill is published.