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.