MARITIME workers will be protesting against an “exploitative and anti-trade union” employer in Portsmouth this weekend.

RMT members will march against Condor Ferries on Saturday morning at Portsmouth International Port.

Condor, which has transport and ferry contracts with the Channel Island governments, is currently paying Ukrainian seafarers less than the minimum wage for working 12-hour days for seven days a week.

This goes against accepted standard practices in the British ferry industry.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash has called on Condor to work with the union and Channel Island governments to work on a new contract which improves job conditions and services at the company.

Mr Cash added: “Only 15 per cent of the 80,560 ratings jobs in the UK shipping industry are held by UK seafarers.

“The vast majority are foreign nationals being exploited by crewing agents currently used by companies like Condor to work on-board for months on end for below the minimum wage.”