27/02/2004

Irish Ferries workers to return to ships

Seven hours of talks at Irish Labour Relations Commission have led to a deal where the 450 crew members laid off this week by Irish Ferries are to return to work.

The ferry operator confirmed today that following the marathon overnight talks the crew members laid off earlier this week are to return to work under a formula brokered by the arbitration agency.

The joint negotiations involved the company, SIPTU and the Seamen’s Union of Ireland are expected to resume on Saturday as the parties attempt to hammer out an agreement on new terms and conditions which Irish Ferries hope will bring costs into line with those of its main competitors.

Irish Ferries said that all normal scheduled Irish Sea sailings will resume on the Dublin to Holyhead and the Pembroke to Rosslare routes on Saturday.

The Rosslare to Cherbourg sailing as originally scheduled will recommence on Friday, March 5.

(SP)

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