Shipping company ‘paying €2.63 an hour’

AN Irish shipping company has been accused of paying its crew members as little as €2.63 per hour for working 365 hours per month in what trade unions fear is a repeat of the Irish Ferries crisis of 2005.

The International Transport Federation (ITF) has claimed it has evidence that Wexford-based Celtic Link is paying workers $1,300 (€961.58) per month to work many hours above the average working week.

“We believe from the Romanian crew, that they are working in the region of 365 hours a month — a 12 hour day and more,” said Norrie McVicar of the ITF.