Stena Line has come under attack after suspending its sick-pay policy during the coronavirus pandemic.
Faced with increasingly fewer passengers due to many European countries being under lockdown, the largest ferry operator in Britain has recently embarked on a series of cost-cutting measures.
Workers at Stena Line previously received full pay when they were ill, but are now entitled only to the statutory minimum of £94.25 ($111.03) per week.
“Our union believes the company is breaching its legal obligation to manage the risks posed by the pandemic,” Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) general secretary Manuel Cortes said.
'Increased risk'
“Stena's action will greatly increase the risk of infected staff presenting themselves for work when they are faced with staying at home on a pittance, or going to work for full pay in order to pay bills.”
He said the move will “inevitably result” in spreading the illness to colleagues and passengers.
Both TSSA and the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) said Stena Line did not consult with the unions before suspending its sick-pay policy.
"We are seeking urgent talks with the company and the Government to find a more constructive approach than this which threatens to throw our seafarers on the scrap heap," RMT general secretary Mick Cash said.
Stena Line communications manager Pieter Sprangers said the company will issue a statement later.
The change in policy came after Stena Line cancelled plans to pre-screen crew members for Covid-19 before boarding.
Earlier this week, the company laid off 950 crew and onshore staff working on its Baltic Sea services. Its UK and Ireland operations are under review.
With its UK headquarters based in Holyhead, Wales, Stena Line is part of the Swedish family-owned Stena AB Group, which has assets in the tanker, ferry, drilling, property, finance and renewable energy sectors.
In maritime transport, Gothenburg-based Stena AB ultimately controls Concordia Maritime, Stena Bulk, Stena RoRo, Stena Teknik and Northern Marine in addition to Stena Line.
