SIPTU seeks intervention in ferry dispute

SIPTU has called on the National Implementation Body to intervene in the dispute at Irish Ferries.

The union's members in the company began an indefinite strike on Monday in protest at the "outsourcing" of jobs on its Rosslare-France route to cheaper labour.

Irish Ferries responded to the action by laying off 140 staff yesterday. Further lay-offs are also expected to be announced later today.

The NIB was established as part of the social partnership process to ensure industrial peace by overseeing the implementation of the various partnership deals.