An 'all-out' strike by Irish Ferries staff due to start on Monday is putting Ireland's competitiveness at risk, a major business body has said.
CCI chief executive Mr John Dunne said the justification is somewhat undermined by the fact that the other union operating at the company, the Seamen's Union of Ireland (SUI), "does not feel the need to strike".
Chambers of Commerce of Ireland chief executive Mr John Dunne
"This is not the first time that SIPTU has stymied Irish commercial activity through strike action in companies where the other unions have seen more sense," Mr Dunne said.
"Ferries are operating in a very tight market where competition from low cost airlines are driving down tourism revenues and Irish Ferries faces very difficult price competition from its ferry competitors. Both workers and managers will have to raise productivity and cut costs in order to compete."
Mr Dunne said anything that impedes trade has a direct impact on competitiveness and that it was "vitally important" for an island nation such as Ireland that the viability of trade routes is protected.
"We believe both sides should be able to reach a consensus through negotiation with out having to put Ireland's trade activity and competitiveness at risk."
Meanwhile, Irish Ferries said its services are running as normal today following a 24-hour strike by workers yesterday.
But passengers and exporters will be severely hit by the 'all-out' strike due to start on Monday.
The dispute centres on Irish Ferries' decision to outsource the employment of crews on its Ireland-France service on the MV Normandyfrom March next year.
The company said the decision was taken in the interests of safeguarding the long-term operation of the service in the face of competition from low-cost air carriers and a foreign ferry operator that is subsidised by the French government.
The company said it was committed to a voluntary severance deal, for which it has set aside €7 million.
It also said yesterday that its ships' officers employed enjoy "the finest working conditions existing within the shipping industry world-wide", and that these would not be affected by any of the measures being implemented.
Workers who are members of Siptu marched on Leinster House yesterday as part of their 24-hour action but also served strike notice on the company for Monday.
The Irish Road Haulage Association criticised the decision by Siptu to go on an all-out strike, saying it could not have come at a worse time for business.
Irish Ferries passengers requiring information on today's sailings may contact the company on 0818-300400.