A Latvian-registered ship remained strike bound at Greenore port in Co Louth yesterday after 11 crew members refused to operate it until they are paid monies which they claim are owed to them since November.
According to International Transport Federation inspector Ken Fleming the men are seeking four months pay and would be continuing their protest on board the 2,000-tonne Fortuna 1 bulk freighter until such time as this was forthcoming.
"The men have been told repeatedly they will be paid after the next trip," he said. "They have literally sailed from port to port on promise after promise and say they ain't sailing any further until they are paid." He said the vessel is carrying 1,750 tonnes of steel.
Mr Fleming claimed the men have been working approximately 300 hours a month. Although their basic pay is €257 a month, he said the overtime means that the arrears will be substantial, when unpaid overtime is factored in.
Attempts to contact the Latvia- based owners of the vessel were unsuccessful. However, RTÉ reported last night that the owner had acknowledged that he had experienced some financial difficulties, but had committed to reimbursing the crew as a priority, having received an undisclosed lodgment of money yesterday.
The Greenore protest is the latest in a series of recent protests in Ireland by mainly foreign maritime crew against delays in the payment of their wages.