Irish Ferries plans to shed 150 jobs on its France route as part of a restructuring plan.
The company announced today that 125 full-time workers, 25 part-time workers and some seasonal positions are to be shed in response to market pressures and a seven per cent fall in passenger numbers.
Irish Continental Group, which runs Irish Ferries, said in a statement this afternoon, that crew levels will be maintained by agency workers.
"The initiative, which is a consequence of demand in the market place for lower fares, together with additional competition from sea and air carriers, in some cases State-assisted, will see crewing of our Ireland - France service transferred to a third party staffing agency who will employ fully qualified EU crew."
A voluntary severance package will be offered to crew members throughout the fleet and those wishing to remain at the company will be offered a transfer to the company's Irish Sea ships.
The company hopes top complete the process by the end of next month, when its France service ceases for the winter months. Services will recommence in March 2005.
Last month, Irish Continental announced a fall in pre-tax profits for the year ending June 30th Profit fell to €1.4 million as turnover dropped from €136.9 million in 2003 to €135.8 million. Turnover in its ferries division was down marginally on the previous year.
At the start of the year, the company said its cost base was more than 30 per cent higher than its main competitor. A dispute with the Seamen's Union of Ireland at the time led to three vessels being taken out of service and 450 crew members temporarily laid off.
Irish Ferries employs a total of 1,200 people.