Protesting unions deny blocking ferry dock

Unions protesting at Cherbourg have denied claims by Irish Ferries that they’re blocking its ferry docking at the port.

The Irish firm’s vessel, MV Normandy, claims it has been prevented from docking at the French port because of picketing by Irish, British and French union officials over outsourcing labour.

The ship sailed from Rosslare yesterday afternoon and was due to dock at Cherbourg at about 10.30am Irish time.

There are almost 800 passengers on board, along with 250 cars and four freight trucks.

The ship’s captain said earlier that it could not berth because there were up to 70 protesters on the berthing ramp.

International Transport Federation spokesman Tony Ayton insisted today the protest was a peaceful one and there was no threat to the safety of passengers.

“It is absolutely ridiculous for Irish Ferries to use that excuse to deny the passengers their lawful right to come ashore,” he said.

Mr Ayton admitted some protestors were on the ramp for a short time earlier this morning as a TV company wanted to record footage of them with the ship in the background.

He added: “We’re here fighting for British, Irish and French seafarers and their right to support a family and pay a mortgage, as has been the long-standing tradition on ships operating on these waters.”

A spokesman for Irish Ferries is unavailable but it is believed its representative is liaising with the Cherbourg harbour master and police at the scene.

Sources say the dispute is over the oursourcing of cheap labour to Eastern European workers who are believed to be employed on the ferry at pay rates of €3.57 an hour.

They work 12-hour shifts, seven days a week, with no holiday pay, it is understood.

Earlier this year, it emerged a Filipina beautician working on another Irish Ferries route was paid €1 an hour. Her contract was later cancelled and the firm made a settlement with her.