P&O Ferries Staff Rosters 2022-05-19
2022-05-19
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern over the impact of new roster patterns on the safety and welfare of seafarers working for P&O Ferries, particularly regarding compliance with international hours of work requirements.
I am concerned about the potential safety implications of roster patterns worked by seafarers employed on P&O Ferriers' vessels. On the Dover to Calais route, P&O wants agency crew to work over 230 round trips before a rest period, compared to local crews working 18 round trips. This is cutting wages and undermining maritime safety.
Responsibility for ensuring compliance with hours of work requirements lies with the owner-operators and flag state. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency verifies these requirements are met, but current legislation is narrow in scope and deals primarily with minimum wage issues.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about covering roster patterns was not directly addressed; only acknowledged as being considered.
Narrow Legislative Scope
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern over P&O Ferries' aggressive wage-cutting practices through changes in rosters, affecting maritime safety.
I am concerned about the potential impact of new roster patterns on pay and maritime safety. P&O wants agency crew to work 230 round trips before a rest period, versus local crews who worked 18 trips. This is cutting wages without adhering to minimum wage laws, undercutting companies like DFDS and Stena.
Concerns will be investigated if raised with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Legislation addresses minimum wage but does not cover roster patterns; this is being considered in the fair ferries national framework agreement.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about covering roster patterns was partially addressed by noting it's under consideration, without a clear commitment or timeline.
Legislation Scope
Framework Agreement
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern that P&O Ferries' actions have broken the law and need enforcement, specifically regarding consultation rights.
P&O broke the law by refusing usual consultations; Parliament must fix this. Will the Government seek injunctions to protect consultation rights?
The Minister acknowledges the need for action and mentions a package of nine measures targeting P&O's behaviour. Ongoing conversations will occur, particularly with BEIS regarding relevant legislation.
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Assessment & feedback
No concrete commitment to taking legal action or seeking injunctions was provided; only conversation plans mentioned.
Nine Measures
Departmental Coordination
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern that P&O Ferries' CEO was promoted despite being deemed unfit by the Transport Secretary, highlighting a lack of accountability.
P&O broke the law but faces no consequences. The promoted CEO is not fit to lead; when will tough action be taken against P&O's board?
The Government are taking nine actions to address P&O's behaviour; they blame P&O for this situation and not themselves. The model introduced by Irish Ferries in 2004 is cited as a precedent.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address the request for legal action against the board, instead blaming P&O itself.
Blaming P&O
Precedent Setting
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern that the Government is avoiding responsibility for enforcing maritime employment law, instead relying on private sector actions.
The Government's plan allows ports to surcharge or block non-compliant ferry companies like P&O. Why are they not amending and enforcing employment law directly?
The Government is committed to action on minimum wage legislation through ports; this is a critical step among nine measures. Further steps regarding employment law will be discussed across Government.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit directly to devolving maritime employment law or giving the government power, only mentioned discussing more broadly.
Nine Measures
Government Discussion
Response accuracy