Mary Lou McDonald raises exploitation of Irish Ferries workers with EU Commissioner McCreevy
Sinn Féin National Chairperson Mary Lou McDonald MEP has this evening met
with EU Commissioner for the Internal Market Charlie McCreevy in Strasbourg.
At the meeting the Sinn Féin MEP called on Mr McCreevy to lend his support
to the reintroduction of a European Ferries Directive which would deal with
ships operating in European
waters under flags of convenience and for
minimum labour standards to be set.
Speaking after the meeting Ms
McDonald said:
"Today's meeting was sought by Sinn Féin, in a bid
to raise the ongoing issue of Irish Ferries, where over 500 workers are
about to be displaced from their jobs and replaced with low cost third
country labour.
"As an Irish Commissioner, it is incumbent upon
Mr McCreevy to lend his support to the reintroduction of a European Ferries
Directive. We are calling for a directive which would deal with ships
operating in European waters under flags of convenience and for minimum
labour standards to be set.
"Behind all of this, is a concern
regarding workers rights and conditions. It is entirely unacceptable that
staff onboard some of these ferries are working for far less than the
minimum wage, and are working 12 hours per
day, 7 days a week. Sinn
Féin is determined to ensure that this issue is highlighted at both a
national and European level. As well as today's meeting with Mr McCreevy, we
have formally raised the issue with the European Commission, who are due to
respond in writing. This follows a meeting last week between a Sinn Féin
delegation and SIPTU and meetings I previously held with Seaman's Union of
Ireland representatives.
"We will also be seeking a follow up
meeting with Commissioner McCreevy in the near future on this issue, and are
also seeking a meeting with the Commissioner for Transport." ENDS