Operator Stena Line Cuts Normal Sick Pay During Coronavirus Outbreak

20th March 2020

The Rail and Maritime Transport (RMT) union called the move by Stena Line during the coronavirus outbreak "outrageous". Above AFLOAT adds is the new Stena Estrid on its maiden sailing (in January) departing the Port of Holyhead and when bound for Dublin Port. Credit: NorthWalesLive-twitter

On the Irish Sea ferry company Stena Line has told staff they won't be paid their normal sick pay during the Covid-19 pandemic, a union has said.

The Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMT) said the ferry giant has removed its normal sick pay rules - which entitles workers to full pay when they are off - leaving them only entitled to the statutory minimum of £94.25 per week.

The RMT attacked the move and one worker said it risked staff going to work even if they are feeling ill - potentially increasing the risk of spreading the coronavirus.

The move impacts staff at ports like Holyhead and Liverpool in the UK, Dublin in Ireland and crew on vessels.

North Wales Live reported that a source close to the company said the move was needed to protect the firm's future during the coronavirus crisis.

For more on this ferry development from WalesOnLine click here

Published in Coronavirus and Boating

Tagged under

About The Author

Jehan Ashmore

Email The Author

Jehan Ashmore is a marine correspondent, researcher and photographer, specialising in Irish ports, shipping and the ferry sector serving the UK and directly to mainland Europe. Jehan also occasionally writes a column, 'Maritime' Dalkey for the (Dalkey Community Council Newsletter) in addition to contributing to UK marine periodicals.

We've got a favour to ask

More people are reading Afloat.ie than ever thanks to the power of the internet but we're in stormy seas because advertising revenues across the media are falling fast. Unlike many news sites, we haven't put up a paywall because we want to keep our marine journalism open.

Afloat.ie is Ireland's only full-time marine journalism team and it takes time, money and hard work to produce our content.

So you can see why we need to ask for your help.

If everyone chipped in, we can enhance our coverage and our future would be more secure. You can help us through a small donation. Thank you.

You might also want to read...

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Irish Sailing & Boating

Since restrictions began in March 2020, the Government is preparing for a 'controlled and gradual return to sport' and the 2020 sailing fixtures are being tentatively redrafted by yacht clubs, rowing clubs angling and diving clubs across Ireland as the country enters a new phase in dealing with the Coronavirus. The hope is that a COVID-19 restrictions might be eased by May 5th as Sport Ireland has asked national governing bodies for information on the challenges they face.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) information

COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It's caused by a virus called coronavirus.

To help stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) everyone has been asked to stay at home. But some people may need to do more than this.

You may need to either:

You do these things to stop other people from getting coronavirus.

Restricted movements

Everybody in Ireland has been asked to stay at home. You should only go out for a few reasons, such as shopping for food.

But you need to restrict your movements further if you:

live with someone who has symptoms of coronavirus, but you feel well

are a close contact of a confirmed case of coronavirus

have returned to Ireland from another country

You need to restrict your movements for at least 14 days.

But if the person you live with has had a test and it is negative, you don't need to wait 14 days. You should still follow the advice for everyone - stay at home as much as possible.

Close contact

This is only a guide but close contact can mean:

spending more than 15 minutes of face-to-face contact within 2 metres of an infected person

living in the same house or shared accommodation as an infected person

How to restrict your movements

Follow the advice for everybody - stay at home.

Ireland's sailing, boating & maritime magazine

See All Featured Sections

Featured Sailing School

Featured Clubs

Featured Brokers

Featured Associations

Featured Chandleries

Featured Sailmakers

Featured Blogs