People Before Profit unreservedly condemn the sacking of 800 P&O staff without notice, calling for the service to be nationalised. The company’s excuse is loss of earnings, but their parent company, Dubai-based logistics giant DP World, reportedly netted $896million (£683) profit last year.
Speaking after the announcement was made, PBP MLA Gerry Carroll condemned the decision, and offered solidarity to staff occupying boats:
“The treatment of P&O workers today has been abominable, particularly in a cost of living crisis. P&O reportedly had new agency workers ready to board ships, sent heavy security to remove staff, and pre-recorded the sacking announcement. This was premeditated and calculated to keep workers in the dark with no time to prepare.
“P&O claim this decision is the result of lost earnings, but their parent company raked home nearly £700 million profit last year. This is the brutal reality for workers in a free market system which prioritises profit above all else.
“PBP sends our solidarity to all workers impacted, particularly those who have occupied boats. We fully endorse the call by RMT, who represents the workers, for the service to be nationalised, saving the jobs.
“We are calling on Stormont Ministers and the Secretary of State to intervene to save the jobs of hundreds of workers.”
ENDS
