SHIPPING union RMT staged a protest in Aberdeen yesterday against “modern-day slavery” onboard ferries, with many seafarers paid less than the minimum wage.

Non-EU nationals working in British waters aboard the Serco-run Northern Isles Seatruck Ferry Services are paid as little as £3.66 an hour, the union says.

Under the banner “Aberdeen — Port of Shame” RMT members staged a protest outside the Seatruck vessel, as well as outside the offices of SNP MP Callum McCraig and SNP MSP Maureen Watt, calling for an intervention by Scottish ministers on what is a Scottish government contract.