MARITIME workers will be protesting on Monday after discovering that migrant workers are paid poverty wages by Irish Ferries.

Transport union RMT says that it has obtained evidence that a Latvian ordinary seaman has been paid just €5.51 (£4.91) an hour by the firm.

The union condemned exploitation by a company that holds huge influence over the future prospects of Britain’s seafaring industry and has demanded formal union recognition on all Irish Ferries operations.

Union general secretary Mick Cash said: “On Monday the union will be taking the campaign for decent jobs on decent pay and conditions right to the heart of the Irish Ferries operation at Holyhead port.

“Our fight for pay justice and trade union recognition from these ferry operators is stepping up and we are sending out the clearest possible message to those behind exploitation and union busting in the maritime sector that we are coming for them.”