Irish Ferries has confirmed to ireland.comit has written to its workforce warning them that 600 employees would be laid off without pay if agreement isn't reached over cost-cutting measures.
The company also warned it would consider the temporary withdrawal from service of three of their four ferries if agreement was not reached by February the 20th . The three vessels are the Jonathan Swift, Isle of Inishmoreand the Normandy.
Irish Ferries says its manning levels are seriously out-of-line with its competitors and it has brought forward a series of measures it feels are required to rectify the situation.
It is understood a reduction in staffing levels would be required to reduce costs, but the company said it would be happy to hear any other proposals the unions might have to offer.
Staff at Irish Ferries are represented by SIPTU and the Seamen's Union of Ireland (SUI). The company and unions were engaged in a talks process since June last year, and talks held by Labour Court between management and the unions broke up in January with the recommendation that both unions hold joint talks with the company.