Reports emerged overnight claiming that Carnival UK, owner of P&O Cruises and Cunard, had told authorities in the UK and Bermuda of its intention to change employment terms and conditions for crew across 10 of its vessels.
But the Nautilus union has since said urgent discussions with Carnival UK have led to a commitment from the cruise company.
Carnival UK said it had informed the UK government’s Insolvency Service and Bermudan authorities of the withdrawal of the HR1 form, used when employers are required to tell the Insolvency Service of planned redundancies of more than 20.
Carnival’s employment firm, Fleet Maritime Services, lodged the HR1 form with the government on 15 November, according to The Guardian.
Nautilus executive officer Martyn Gray said: “This is a welcome move from Carnival UK and a positive indication of their commitment to engage in a meaningful consultation with us over changes to members’ terms and conditions.
“We thank them for their commitment to not dismiss and re-engage and look forward to working with them to come to a negotiated settlement in the interests of all parties.”
He added: “However, fire and rehire – or dismissal and re-engagement – should never be an option for any employer to force changes to terms and conditions and the UK government should commit to outlawing this. A statutory code of practice is not enough.”
A joint statement from Carnival UK and Nautilus said: “Nautilus International and Carnival UK are able to confirm, following joint discussions held this afternoon, that both parties are committed to engaging in meaningful consultation in finding a way forward following the start of consultation on proposed contractual changes for 919 maritime professionals.
“Carnival UK has reassured Nautilus International of there being no intent to undertake steps towards dismissal and re-engagement and has rescinded the HR1 form submitted to the insolvency service, while providing an update the relevant Bermudan authorities.
“Both Nautilus International and Carnival UK are working cooperatively towards a negotiated settlement in the interest of all parties.”
