The ballot on a new pay deal for P&O Maritime members concluded at 5pm on Wednesday, 19th February.  The pay deal covers fully pensionable pay rises for the next three years.  The deal follows on from the 3% pay increase achieved in 2024, and provides for 4.2% in 2025, 3.2% in 2026 and 2.5% in 2027. 

P&O Maritime operates the state’s research vessels (RV Tom Crean and RV Celtic Explorer) as well providing specialised marine engineering services (Marine data buoys, gliders, etc.) These services are provided to the Marine Institute, who ultimately procure them on behalf of the state through the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) and others.  

Negotiations commenced last year, well ahead of the expiration of the previous agreement. The final polling result was a solid 67% in favour, with an excellent turnout of 95%. 

In considering the acceptance of the offer, local Fórsa representative, Barry Christy expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the ballot. He noted that he is occasionally asked whether being in the union is truly worthwhile. 

 “I decided to do the maths for myself,” he explained, adding that, over his five years and a half with P&O, he had focused soley on the financial benefits of union membership, setting aside all other considerations.  

“I am over €31,000 better off, and that is not including P&O matching my pension contributions,” he said. “That figure also accounts for my union contributions. This year alone, I will be €7,800 better off due to all historical inflation increments.” 

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