P&O Ferries mass firings of UK crew members outrage unions

Unions are protesting at British ports after major ferry operator P&O Ferries fired 800 U.K. crew members to replace them with cheaper contract staff

LONDON -- Unions were protesting at British ports Friday and demanding the government take action after major ferry operator P&O Ferries fired 800 U.K. crew members to replace them with cheaper contract staff.

Ferry crossings have been canceled, threatening to disrupt the movement of travelers and goods in key routes through the English Channel for days. The British government expressed outrage at the mass firings — done over Zoom message — but suggested it could do little to reverse them. It provided the company with millions in aid during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Government minister James Heappey said “P&O has behaved appallingly,” but he did not believe the company’s actions were illegal.

“Ultimately, it is not something the government can stop P&O from doing,” he told the BBC. “Now, the focus will be on supporting those who have lost their jobs.”