Mick Cash
RMT SOUNDS ALARM OVER STENA HOLYHEAD-DUBLIN SERVICE
SEAFARER Union RMT today raised alarm over Stena Line’s decision to register new Holyhead-Dublin ferry Stena Estrid on the Cypriot flag.RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said:“My members in Holyhead were looking forward to the arrival of the first E-Flexer ferry from China which will significantly increase passenger and vehicle carrying capacity on the Dublin route.
” However, what should be a story of welcome investment in local seafarers and our maritime capacity now looks like another example of corporate greed following Stena Line’s announcement that the Estrid will be registered in Cyprus – a Flag of Convenience register that attracts shipowners through zero tax rates and minimum regulation, with the recent blessing of the European Commission.
“We are seeking clear guarantees from Stena Line over their long term commitment to seafarers and businesses in Wales, the UK and Ireland in light of this decision. Without unambiguous guarantees from the company over the collective bargaining agreement with RMT on Estrid and the Superfast X, we will be forced to conclude that Stena Line is seeking to cut operational costs at the expense of local jobs.
“This is not only a test of Stena Line’s commitment to local seafarers’ jobs in the Irish Sea, it is also a wake-up call to trade unions and the Governments of Wales and the UK that vital maritime jobs remain under constant threat from the shipping industry’s business practices.
