Cork ferry workers to stage picket over pay cuts

Ferry workers in west Cork are staging a picket today to protest against pay cuts and other changes being imposed by their employer.

The workers on Naomh Ciaran II - which operates between Baltimore and Cape Clear Island - say they are being asked to accept a 27% pay cut.

They also say the ferry owner wants them to work four extra weeks this summer without pay.

The row escalated on Sunday when the skipper was told he would be temporarily laid off for the month of June.

The ferry owner says he has no option but to impose the cuts and has refused to meet SIPTU to discuss the matter.

Today's picket at Baltimore Pier begins at 8.30am and is due to last until 7pm.