Sacked Dover ferrymen set sail alone
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• Dover seamen plan to hit back at P&O European Ferries, which sacked 900 of them last year, by setting up their own rival cross-channel ferry company from the port.
They have prepared a detailed feasibility study for the co-operative venture and have secured backing from shipping operator and maritime arbitrator Captain Lazmo Kovatts. The men hope to employ 270 people initially, introducing services on short sea crossings this year and eventually deploying up to four ships.
Discussions are expected to he held next week in a meeting chaired by shadow transport secretary John Prescott and an NUS sponsored MP. A berthing application will probably be submitted to the Dover Harbour Board next week.
1=1 Seafarers have voted by 2,298 to 1,588 to reject a 6% increase in national pay rates, and National Union of Seamen leaders are threatening a strike ballot unless management improves the offer at a meeting on Tuesday.