Pilots in threat to disrupt tall ships’ race

PILOTS who guide ships in and out of Waterford port and bring crews ashore have threatened to disrupt the city’s Tall Ships Race in July if the port authority proceeds with plans to reassign their contract.

Five members of SIPTU are employed through the service and provide 24-hour cover at the port. Some of them have been working there for up to 20 years.

But the Port of Waterford has advertised tenders for the service in at least one maritime publication, a move which has infuriated the staff. In what would be a major blow to tourism in Waterford, they have now threatened to disrupt the Tall Ships Race if the tendering process continues.

SIPTU spokesman Davy Lane said they first heard about the move when they received a call from management advising them the tender for the service was being advertised.

“We’ve had a meeting this morning and will be balloting on industrial action on Thursday next. The ballot is for everything up to and including a picket on the premises. What impact this will have on the Tall Ships Race in July remains to be seen,” Mr Lane said.

The Tall Ships Race is expected to bring over 250,000 visitors to Waterford in the week leading up to July 9, when the 2005 race series will begin with several dozen Tall Ships sailing down the Suir in formation with the Irish sail training vessel Asgard II leading the Parade of Sail.

The organisers say any disruption would be a major setback. “We are very concerned over such a threat. It is a major event, everything is organised and a lot of money has gone into it,” said Nicky Fewer.

The Port of Waterford declined to answer several questions on the matters raised by SIPTU. It would only say last night it will not be commenting on the tendering process underway in respect of pilot boats.

But Mr Lane said the mood among staff was one of great anger. “The only thing our members were offered was redundancy a few months ago. We had Labour Relations Commission talks a few months ago.

“The boatmen were asked if they wanted to take over the service themselves. But they said they wanted to work for the Port Authority. They were then offered redundancy. But they didn’t want that either.

“If the authority proceeds with this tendering, we may not be in a position to bring the ships up.

“And we would be asking our colleagues in the other unions not to do this either. It’s a major move, but it is something we feel very strongly about,” said Mr Lane.

He said the disruption might include not bringing the ships upstream in Waterford; not bringing crew off vessels, or some form of a picket or blockade.

“We would be looking for support from the other unions involved in the race and would be encouraging their members not to carry out the duties that would be required of us over the few days,” he added.