The BBC reported Carnival UK, owner of P&O Cruises and Cunard, told authorities of the alleged “fire and rehire” plan one day after beginning talks with union members.
According to the Guardian, the UK government’s Insolvency Service was notified last week using the HR1 form used by employers when they are legally required to give officials notice of mass redundancies.
However, a Carnival UK spokesperson said: "We are categorically not making any redundancies and we will not dismiss and re-engage staff.
"This is an annual pay review process with our maritime officers onboard our ships which will ensure alignment. This will empower our staff, deliver the right teams across our fleet and attract and retain talent to work on our ships."
The spokesperson added: “We have significantly increased our headcount across our fleet.”
Maritime union Nautilus, which represents hundreds of those potentially affected, said Carnival UK had notified authorities in the UK and Bermuda of its intention to change employment terms and conditions for 919 crew across 10 vessels.
The union said changes would affect crew on P&O Cruises ships, as well as those working on Cunard vessels Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary 2.
Nautilus claims Carnival UK proposals could lead to some losing up to 20% of their annual take home pay as part of plans to cut working rotations.
Nautilus International senior national organiser Garry Elliot said: "We continue to urge Carnival UK to withdraw their threat of fire and rehire and engage in meaningful negotiations.
“Employers cannot be allowed to treat their employees with contempt and force through fundamental changes to terms and conditions by playing with their employees’ livelihoods."
Last year, P&O Ferries – which is a wholly separate company to P&O Cruises – became embroiled in a dispute over the sacking of 800 workers without notice and replacing them with foreign agency workers who were paid less than the UK minimum wage.
“We also call on the UK government to learn the lessons from P&O Ferries and outlaw the coercive practice of fire and rehire,” Elliot added.
