The Seamen's Union of Ireland and SIPTU are balloting members in Irish Continental Group about strike action following the company's decision to cease operations on the Rosslare Le Havre route for six months from November 3rd. The ballot is expected to be completed on Wednesday.
Under the terms of a plan revealed by the company to staff on Friday, both the St Patrick and the St Killian would be laid up in Le Havre until next June, when permanent staff would be re employed on a two weeks on, one week off basis.
It is understood seamen voted unanimously for strike action on a show of hands after the terms were outlined, but the secret ballot is under way to comply with labour law.