Carnival UK, the parent company of P&O Cruises and Cunard, has been accused by the Nautilus union of not genuinely engaging in negotiations after revealing plans to alter employment terms for 919 crew members across 10 vessels.
This announcement came just a day after discussions began with the union, which represents many affected workers.
Nautilus expressed concerns that Carnival UK's actions mirrored the controversial tactics of P&O Ferries' parent company, DP World, which last year abruptly sacked 800 workers, replacing them with lower-paid foreign agency staff.
Carnival UK, however, denies any intentions of redundancies or "fire and rehire" strategies. The company insists that the changes are part of an annual pay review aimed at aligning and empowering its maritime officers, with a focus on building the right teams and retaining talent.
The proposed changes would reduce the working days of crew members from 243 to 200 annually, effectively cutting their income.
Nautilus criticised these changes as non-negotiable and enforced, causing distress among members. The union has urged Carnival UK to retract its approach and engage in meaningful discussions.
Echoing these sentiments, Shadow Transport Secretary Louise Haigh and Nautilus's senior national organiser Garry Elliot have called for government intervention to prevent such employment practices, citing the need to protect workers' rights and livelihoods.