LD Lines boss blasts SeaFrance’s unions for ‘attack’ on British flag ships

French cross-channel ferry operator LD Lines has issued a scathing response against SeaFrance (CFDT) unions for their latest demonstration against British Flag vessels operating on the recently introduced fast ferry service between Dover and Boulogne and other LD Line’s cross-channel ferry routes.

SeaFrance (CFDT) unions have twice recently, but unsuccessfully, attempted to disrupt tourist and freight traffic travelling to and from the Port of Boulogne, with demonstrations against the British Flag fast ferry Norman Arrow.

LD Lines managing director Christophe Santoni said: ‘The latest behaviour of SeaFrance (CFDT) unions is totally irresponsible by claiming the British Flag to be a ‘Flag of Convenience.’ This totally discredits and work and representation of the two English unions – RMT and Nautilus – the very unions with whom the salaries of crew on our British Flag vessels have been negotiated and approved.

‘We are a company that believes in free and unrestricted competition and find the attitude of the SeaFrance (CFDT) unions utterly disgraceful and totally misguided. These are the same unions who have been instrumental in creating the dire financial situation over many years that their own company, SeaFrance, finds itself in today, and are now trying to deflect their own created problems as being caused by LD Lines, as the newest operator across the Dover Straits.’

LD Lines has confirmed that any further attempt to disrupt ferry services between Dover and Boulogne will not remain unpunished and the company will exercise its right to take legal action against those responsible.

‘LD Lines parent company, Louis Dreyfus Armateurs, is France’s largest employer of French officers. The company therefore does not accept any kind of judgment with the fact that we operate some of our ferries trading between the UK and France under the British Flag,’ added Santoni.

‘British customers represent more than 80% of our passengers and we are certain that they and many others who make up the overall cross channel tourist and freight market, which is also around 80%-2-% UK to France traffic, will have their own opinions of the SeaFrance (CFDT) unions and their latest anti-British Flag attempted action. These are the very customers who will ultimately choose with whom they prefer to cross the channel.’   Sphere: Related Content