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.