SEAFARERS’ union RMT called for a boycott of Irish Ferries today, warning that crew members face long hours and unsafe conditions on poverty pay.

The union said that some workers on the firm’s new Dover-Calais route will be paid less than the national minimum wage to work at least 12 hours per day on a gruelling six-weeks-on, three-weeks-off basis.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “Make no mistake, Irish Ferries crewing practices undermine maritime safety and employment standards on ferries which cross the world’s busiest shipping lane up to five times a day.”