Received from: Nautilus
Congress continues condemning the actions of P&O Ferries on 17 March 2022 who, sacked 786 maritime professionals without notice or consultation.
Congress notes that at TUC Congress 2022, the now prime minister stated Labour would close gaps in law that allowed P&O Ferries to carry out their actions, within the first 100 days of government.
Congress further notes that on the first anniversary of the scandal Labour committed to a ‘five-point’ plan to prevent another P&O Ferries scandal including:
i. introducing a strong, legally binding seafarers charter
ii. ending fire and rehire
iii. requiring employers to properly consult
iv. boosting protections to workers who refuse to accept attacks on their terms and conditions.
Congress also welcomes the ILO ruling in November 2023, based on the joint complaint raised by TUC, Nautilus, RMT, ITF and ITUC, that calls for the UK government, with social partners, to ensure mutual respect for collective bargaining and calls for an end to the ban on secondary action and more action to prevent anti-union discrimination.
Congress calls on the UK government to ensure the commitments highlighted above and the ruling of the ILO are fully implemented in the forthcoming employment bill; and to enact a mandatory seafarers charter, amend the Trade Union Labour Relations (consolidation) Act 1992 (TULRCA), enable electronic trade union democracy, and ensure another P&O Ferries can never happen again and seafarers can avail of the same protections as their shore-based counterparts.
Nautilus International
AMENDMENT
In the first paragraph after “maritime professionals”, insert “, seafarer ratings, officers, cadets and apprentices”
In the fourth paragraph after “partners, to”, insert “uphold and”
After “collective bargaining”, insert “rights”
Insert final paragraph:
“Congress calls for urgent lobbying of government and MPs to support these demands and also a demonstration at Parliament in March 2025, close to the date of the third anniversary of the P&O Ferries sackings, in support of this campaign.”
National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers