Sacked P&O Ferries workers at Larne Port have described how they feel as though they're living a 'bad dream' after they were replaced with no notice by agency staff.
The Larne to Cairnryan ferry crews were among 800 staff who lost their jobs on Thursday, after the company suddenly suspended sailings.
Passengers were turned away from docks around the UK, with sailings delayed and cancelled. Stunned workers in Larne were escorted off their vessel, the European Causeway, by security wearing balaclavas and armed with handcuffs.
Read more: P&O staff set to protest at NI harbour after Zoom call sacking
Workers staged a protest at the P&O terminal in Larne Port on Friday afternoon, and spoke out following their ordeal.
Daniel McDonald had been working at P&O Ferries for 17 years, and until Thursday had been an Assistant Manager on the European Causeway.
The 45-year-old works on a two weeks on, two weeks off basis, and was onboard starting his shift as normal at 8am. However, he was soon informed by a colleague that the ship would not be sailing that day.
"I wondered if there was an engine problem, and they said they didn't know, but all the cars were being sent away. Usually if there's a delay, the cars would stay," Daniel told Belfast Live.
"We were told by the captain there would be an announcement made from senior management, and he said he didn't know what was going on. He was just told all P&O ships aren't to sail until further notice.
"Then your mind starts thinking - Have we all lost our jobs? Have they gone bust? You think the worst case scenario, but what was ahead of us we definitely didn't expect."
Two people representing P&O and "about 20 guards" then boarded the ship, read out a statement on behalf of the company, and escorted staff off.
Daniel said: "A few of the guards had handcuffs and one was wearing a balaclava. The captain got quite upset and asked if there was any need for this. They were standing in front of the doors with their arms crossed, it just made you feel like a criminal.
"They read out a statement saying P&O was losing money and that all Jersey P&O contracts were being terminated as soon as possible. We had two hours to gather our belongings then would be escorted off the vessel.
"I couldn't get to say cheerio to some of my co-workers I've worked with for 17 years, I was escorted up to my cabin where I collected personal belongings. I walked off with my suitcase and carrier bags, things falling out, and they just stood and watched me.
"I walked to the top of the ramp and handed over my pass and they gave me an envelope, there was a bus sitting there with crew waiting to come on and take our jobs. So our jobs are still there, they've just been given to different people."
Adding that he still feels sick to his stomach and like he's living a bad dream, Daniel is now on the search for a new job. He believes that P&O should not have treated their loyal and dedicated staff in this way.
He said: "It's your life, it's all you've ever done and it's your wage at the end of the month. I understand companies can have problems with money, but you communicate with your employees.
"If they had time to get new crew, why did they not have time to come on and make a public announcement to say they were struggling to at least give us a heads up. We were essentially being evicted out of our home. It's absolutely shocking.
"I still feel like it's not happening. I feel like I'm off for my two weeks and I'll be coming back. I woke up this morning, and first thing I thought was I need to find a job soon. They offer you redundancy, but that doesn't make what they did and how they did it okay."
Danny McQuaid, of RMT, who also lost his job with P&O on Thursday, said he still "couldn't believe it." Working at sea for 33 years, he had been working for P&O off and on for the past 18 years as a Deck Officer on the European Causeway.
He said: "It's just a shock to the system. It's sad as many workers have spent their lives onboard here, and to be cast aside like that is brutal.
"It's a disgrace what's going on, and we have to hold them to account, we can't lie down and take the immoral treatment we've received.
"Our jobs aren't gone, they're just given to other people. They're taking an opportunity, under the guise of the losses they've had during the pandemic. There's other companies on similar routes who have suffered the same difficulties, and have overcame these issues.
"Restrictions are easing now, more passengers are going to be coming, things are looking better. They're taking advantage of the situation and using it as an excuse, at the expense of loyal and hard-working employees.
"The feeling has shifted to anger now, and I think rightly so. It'll take a bit of time to get over the shock of it, as basically everyone here now is unemployed and it's not a great time to be looking for work."
Danny said his advice to anyone who regularly uses the Larne to Cairnryan route is "don't go P&O."
"Until this situation is remedied, try an alternative, like a company 20 miles away who goes to the same place, and are actually actively recruiting in their local areas," he added.
Read more: RECAP as P&O Ferries cancels services with 800 workers fired
Read more: P&O Ferries issues statement amid ongoing delays at ports
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