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The British division of the largest cruise company, Carnival UK, has responded to allegations that it intends to terminate and rehire over 900 employees in order to reduce expenses.
The company’s portfolio consists of Cunard and P&O Cruises, as well as ships like Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2, and Iona.
P&O Cruises and P&O Ferries are two distinct companies. In 2022, P&O Ferries laid off 800 crew members and hired workers from other countries at a lower wage.
Nautilus International, the labor organization representing seafarers in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, has been engaged in talks with Carnival UK for the last 10 days. In a statement, the union announced that on the evening of November 22nd, it received notification of an “HR1” form from the company. This is a formal document required by the Insolvency Service for employers who may have to make job cuts.
The service states that you are legally obligated to inform them if you plan to lay off 20 or more employees at a single location within a 90-day timeframe.
According to Nautilus International, Carnival has stated that they may consider dismissal and re-hiring if an agreement cannot be reached on new terms.
However, the cruise company responded by stating, “There have been reports in the media today that are factually incorrect and misleading, which are damaging our reputation. We are currently seeking advice from external lawyers and will pursue the necessary legal action.”
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“We will not be laying off any employees and we are not planning to terminate and rehire any staff members. In fact, we have substantially increased the number of employees across our entire fleet.”
“We conduct an annual evaluation for our maritime officers working on our ships to ensure consistency. This will enable our employees, assemble suitable teams throughout our fleet, and attract and retain skilled individuals to work on our ships.”
The TUC shared on X: “Do you recall when the Conservatives vowed to crack down on unethical employers after the P&O scandal last year? Well…they failed to follow through. And now history is repeating itself.”
It is time to ban the practice of firing and then hiring employees again.
Louise Haigh, the shadow transport secretary, reposted the message.
Afterwards, the two groups – Nautilus International and Carnival UK – released a joint declaration. It stated: “We are both dedicated to participating in important discussions to determine a solution going forward, following the initiation of discussions regarding proposed contract modifications for 919 Maritime Professionals.”
Carnival UK has informed Nautilus International that they have no plans to take any action towards termination and rehiring and has withdrawn the HR1 form that was submitted to the insolvency service. They have also given an update to the appropriate authorities in Bermuda.
“Nautilus International and Carnival UK are collaborating to reach a mutually agreeable resolution that benefits all involved parties.”
The source is the Independent newspaper’s website.
