Nautilus International members working for Carnival UK have voted reluctantly, but in overwhelming numbers, to accept a temporary pay reduction and restrictions following a consultation.
The members, who serve on vessels operated by Cunard & P&O Cruises, will see their salaries reduced by 15% between 2 October 2020 and 2 March 2021. Pay increments will also be frozen temporarily. No pay negotiations will take place for a year.
In previous meetings, Carnival UK highlighted the need to weather the unexpected Covid-19 pandemic as the reason for cost-cutting, and stated that the company must preserve its ability to go back into operation while also planning for the worst-case scenario in which the cruise sector remains shuttered for many more months.
'The Terms and Conditions changes have been made to avoid the removal of roles wherever possible, and to ensure we can build a stable platform from which both brands, and Carnival UK, can successfully re-emerge in the future,' said Allen Hodges, writing to Nautilus International on behalf of crewing agent Fleet Maritime Services (Bermuda) Limited. 'This is while we continue to focus on preserving our resources for the continued support of compliant, environmentally sound and safe operations. So, while this has been an incredibly unsettling time for everyone involved, we hope you understand why these difficult decisions have been made.'
A review of pay negotiations is scheduled to take place in October 2021.
Tags
More articles
Seafarers UK offers grants to support seafarers hit by Covid
Seafarers UK is offering grants to charities and non-profits that support seafarers and their families affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
JNG and ITF speak out on blacklisting during Covid crisis
The Joint Negotiating Group (JNG) has called on the maritime industry to ensure that seafarers are given their rights during the Covid-19 crisis and are not blacklisted for speaking out against unfair treatment.