The decision by P&O ferries to dismiss its British seafarers without notice was an act of industrial brutality. The public is justifiably angry and the damage done to the P&O brand is seismic. Indeed the fallout is being felt by P&O cruises who are quite separate and have nothing to do with DP World and P&O ferries.
This action must not be without consequence. We have witnessed the spectacle of the CEO of P&O ferries stating quite clearly that he wilfully broke the law and has no regrets doing so. This is not a fit and proper person to be running a significant business.
The Government is putting together its tools for dealing with this. Essentially we wish to see the workers restored and in the absence of that action there will be a series of punitive measures. This includes legislation to give further protections to seafarers, many of whom work in conditions that can only be described as modern slavery. It isn’t right for the world to keep the costs of shipping down on the backs of the World’s poorest workers.
And I must confess I do worry about those here in Thurrock who are employed by DP World. If a company can treat its employees so poorly once, it can do it again.
Ultimately if we are to be a maritime nation we should value and respect our maritime workforce. All of them. Whilst we must address this current injustice, I do hope that this episode has reminded everyone just how important our seafarers are. They worked throughout the pandemic and ensured our supermarkets remained stocked. Never forget about them.