Displaying items by tag: Protest rally

18th March 2023

Protesters Rally in Port of Dover on Anniversary of P&O Ferries Sackings

At the ferry port of Dover, protesters have gathered to mark the first anniversary when P&O sacked hundreds of seafarers and staff.

Almost 800 people had lost their jobs when the ferry operator with routes from the UK to Ireland, France and the Netherlands, replaced them with agency staff on less than the minimum wage.

The move led to widespread protests at the time and criticism of the UK government.

P&O said the "changes" meant it was now serving customers "much better than ever before".

During the rally held in the Kent port, Mike Lynch general secretary of the Rail, Maritime & Transport (RMT) workers union, told the rally it was "obscene" that the company had faced no punishment for the sackings.

Substantial progress according to the UK government has been made on seafarer protection.

BBC News has more on the rally.

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About Foyle Port

Foyle Port, located in the North West region of Northern Ireland, is estimated to handle around 2 million tonnes of cargo per year, with a trade value of approximately £1 billion. The port plays a crucial role in facilitating the import of essential agri-products, supporting around 20,000 farms in the region, as well as various local business sectors such as fuel/oil and construction industries. The organisation supports an estimated 1000 direct and indirect jobs.

Originally located in the bustling heart of Derry City, the Commissioners relocated the port to its current deep-water location at Lisahally in 1993. The terminal boasts an impressive 440 metres of quay and can accommodate large vessels of up to 62,000 DWT. Foyle Port is primarily a bulk port and a significant importer of essential commodities such as oil, coal, animal feed, fertiliser, and plywood, all of which are vital for the North West rural region.

Since 2003, the organisation has experienced significant growth, doubling both turnover and profit and attracting approximately £100 million of inward investment to the region. This investment has supported projects, including a fertiliser plant, an oil tank farm, and a biomass power station.

Established by Act of Parliament in 1854, the Londonderry Port & Harbour Commissioners is an independent statutory authority with a duty to develop, maintain and operate to the highest standards of efficiency, financial prudence, environmental awareness, safety, and security. The Port is independent of the Government and is self-financing. All financial surpluses are reinvested in the business for the benefit of future generations of stakeholders.