P&O Exposes Britain’s Anti-Worker Economy
Eight hundred P&O Ferries workers were told to expect a special announcement. A few hours later, they received a video informing them they were fired, with immediate effect. This is the British economy the Tories built.
People take part in a demonstration against the dismissal of P&O workers organized by the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union at the Port of Dover, Kent. (Gareth Fuller / PA Images via Getty Images)
On the morning of March 17, crew aboard P&O ships — one of the UK’s largest ferry operators — were in a state of anxiety. They had received an early morning email informing them to expect an announcement later that day.
Rumors began circulating between workers on WhatsApp groups. Those on shore reported spotting what appeared to be security teams and coaches full of workers waiting at ports. Speculation began that they were replacement workers accompanied by P&O-hired goons. Soon, their worst fears were confirmed. A few hours later, a video played over Zoom informing eight hundred workers that they were being sacked with immediate effect before ordering them to vacate their ships.
Speaking to us, crew members describe their sense of shock. Many had spent their working lives dedicated to seafaring. They had been praised throughout the pandemic as key workers who maintained vital maritime supply chains during a national crisis. There was no such gratitude for their service from P&O. In a moment, their livelihoods had been taken from them.
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