Redundancies - Maersk Off-Shore Supplies

It is with regret that I have to announce that Maersk Off-shore supplies have informed the Union that they have a surplus of 31 ratings and that they will be making redundancies, even though the company have said that they will retain a surplus of 10 ratings to cover sickness and annual leave, thus leaving a total of 21.

The redundancies are the result of the fact that a number of supply vessels have been located to Brazil, Africa and other parts of the world. As a requirement, the company are obliged to have local labour on-board these supply vessels.

Surplus ratings have been carried for sometime in the hope that the vessels would return to the UK. Unfortunately, this is not the case at the present time. However, when the vessels do return to the UK, they will be manned by UK ratings.

Following discussions between the Union and the company it has been agreed that redundancies will be achieved on a voluntary basis rather than having to resort to compulsory redundancies and, there is an offer for ratings to transfer to Norfolkline Ferries. This will be on a lower rate of pay, but, service will be continuous and any benefits accrued will be protected. Also, when the vessels return to the UK, those ratings that transferred over to Norfolkline will have the first option to transfer back to the supply vessels, should they wish to.

I trust this keeps you fully informed.

Bob Crow