Unite the Union, Ireland Region

Department for Infrastructure inaction on workforce fears over exhaust fumes on the Strangford II leaves crew constantly worried about their health and that of Ferry users, including school children

Minister’s promise to install Diesel Particulate Filters branded ‘too little, far too late’ as workers express willingness to strike over safety concerns

Joanne McWilliams, Regional Officer for Unite expressed her disappointment with the response to workforce health and safety concerns from Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon.

“Our members who operate the ferry service between Strangford and Portaferry have been raising health and safety concerns in relation to the Strangford II vessel since it came into service four years ago. They have given the Department time to resolve them but our concerns remain.

“Workers have documented how the engine and generator exhaust pipes on the Strangford II release noxious fumes at water level which mean in adverse conditions they can congregate on deck and in workplaces. This contrasts with the situation on the Portaferry II where exhaust stacks release fumes high up meaning this risk is avoided. Those who work on the vessels have repeatedly reported reporting dizziness, headaches and chest conditions as a result of the fumes.

“Unite wrote to Minister Mallon to raise these concerns and sought a meeting to hear at first hand the concerns and experience of the workers. To date no meeting has been arranged, instead the Minister’s response reiterated the stopgap measure of installing a diesel particulate filter on the Strangford II, a promise made in May 2020 by ferry management – with no indication of a timeframe even for that inadequate measure. Her disappointing response has only raised frustration among the workers who have to work with these fumes day after day – what she has offered is ‘too little, far too late’ as far as they are concerned.