P&O Ferries ship European Causeway, is seen held in the Port of Larne, Northern Ireland March 27, 2022. REUTERS/Paul Childs
LONDON, March 28 (Reuters) - Britain said on Monday it will force ferry operators docking in its ports to pay the minimum wage as it stepped up pressure on P&O Ferries to rehire 800 workers who the company fired without notice in favour of cheaper staff.
P&O, which is owned by Dubai ports firm DP World, said it had decided to break the law and fire workers on the spot so it could instead hire cheaper agency staff after losing 100 million pounds ($132 million) last year due to COVID-19 curbs.
The Conservative government of Prime Minister Boris Johnson has condemned the move, which has shone a spotlight on Britain's flexible labour laws, and urged a rethink by P&O as Britons struggle with surging inflation and tax rises.
It said it will also introduce new legislation.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said in a letter to P&O Chief Executive Peter Hebblethwaite which he posted on Twitter that this package of measures would "ensure that seafarers are protected against these types of actions".
"I intend to block the outcome that P&O Ferries has pursued, including paying workers less than the minimum wage," he added.
In a battle of wills between P&O and the government, the coastguard last week detained a P&O ferry, saying a lack of crew familiarisation and training meant it was not ready to sail.
The government plans to use...
In response to false reports of an attack on the Bishop’s residence, cathedral, and pastoral center, the Diocese of Sokoto issues an official disclaimer denying the claims. Vatican News The Dioces...