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Condor has become one of four signatories to new voluntary charters which protect the rights of sailors in the English Channel, but ferry company Manche Iles has refused to add their signature amidst ongoing concerns that new laws will make it "difficult to recruit sailors".
John Napton, Condor’s CEO, was in Paris yesterday with representatives from Stena Line, DFDS and Brittany Ferries for the signing of the new bilateral agreements.
The charters complement new laws mandating minimum wages for sailors on ferries operating cross-Channel routes.
In the UK, the Seafarers Wages Act was made law in March 2023 and in France, the equivalent 'La Loi Le Gac sur le dumping social' passed the final stage of the legislative process last week.
The French bill amends the law to protect Brittany Ferries from "unfair" competition, while fighting against what has been termed 'social dumping': the practice of hiring staff from abroad for worse pay and conditions.
Pictured: Condor's CEO was in Paris yesterday for the signing of the charters.
French MP Pierre-Henri Dumont said it was a law that "protects the jobs" of sailors, "ensures absolute safety for all passengers" and "gives all seafarers the assurance of a decent salary and deserved rest days".
The voluntary charter – which complements this law and intends to protect and boost the employment of seafarers – was signed by Condor yesterday at an event hosted by French shipping minister Hervé Berville and his UK counterpart, the maritime minister Baroness Vere.
John Napton, Condor’s CEO, said: "Condor Ferries is a proud and responsible employer, committed to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace for all staff and crew across our network of international routes.
"We are fully supportive of the Seafarers’ Charters launched by the UK and French governments and I was delighted to be in Paris this week to sign these historic agreements."
However, French ferry company Manche Iles confirmed that they refused to sign the charters yesterday after raising concerns earlier this year that the new law would have a profound impact on their ability to recruit.
To operate in France, ships have to be registered to one of seven registers. Manche Iles’ two boats have so far been registered under the 'Rif', or Registre International Français.
This means their company and its staff is allowed to pay lower tax, which Manche Iles argues made it an attractive company to work for.
Pictured: Manche Iles provides Channel crossings primarily aimed at French passengers.
However, the recent change in French law means that Manche Iles has to now register in the 'premier registre' – the generic register for ships sailing under the French flag – instead.
Olivier Normand, Manche Iles’ Sales and Marketing Director, said: “The problem is that it's very impactful for our sailors because the Rif allowed our sailors to pay not a lot of taxes.
“Our sailors who did not pay taxes thanks to the Rif will have to pay taxes normally. So compared to other companies, it will be difficult to recruit sailors next year."
Manche Iles confirmed today that they are continuing to seek an amendment to the decree, and said they have been met with understanding from politicians but no action.
The ferry company added that they fear they will be "eaten" if the law remains unchanged.
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