UPDATE: Ferries crew reject plan

BRITTANY Ferries crew have overwhelmingly rejected a deal put together by management and union leaders to end the disruption that has hit 36,000 passengers and seen ferries stuck at the quayside in France and Spain for nearly a week.

The company has halted all sailings since September 21 in frustration at repeated wild-cat strikes affecting crossings, with the final straw being a 24-hour strike called as 500 passengers waited to board a Plymouth-bound ferry - leaving passengers stuck in both ports.

Crew had been protesting against the company's plan to cut some bonuses and change shift patterns as it bids to turn around a €70million loss.

Union leaders yesterday agreed a deal with management containing changes on pay and working hours but it was today rejected by crews onboard the ships, with nearly 80% voting against.

Transport Minister Frédéric Cuvillier has now called a round-table meeting of all parties in Paris tomorrow to try to find a resolution to the dispute.

Brittany Ferries says that around 36,000 passengers have been affected and the company has set up several measures to help them, while recognising it is still a "severe disruption" for people in the West Country.

* Foot passengers were directed to the Cherbourg-Poole service which continued to run as it is managed by Condor under contract to BF. However, it is a seasonal service and will end on October 2.

* Motorists stranded in Roscoff were offered fuel money for the 700km trip to Calais where they could get a free crossing on P&O and MyFerryLink ferries and get a refund on their ticket.

* Other passengers have been advised to head directly for Calais, where Brittany Ferries staff are on hand to assist passengers.

The company said in a statement: "Brittany Ferries very much regrets the effect that the disruption is having on its customers and would like to reassure everyone that the management is working hard to reach a swift end to the dispute as well as doing everything possible to help its customers rearrange their travel plans."

Brittany Conseil Régional says that the disruption and the financial situation of the company is a "threat for the whole Breton economy". It is looking at infrastructure investments that would ease the cost of new European anti-pollution legislation for vessels.

** Travellers using Eurotunnel this weekend face some disruption due to engineering work from Saturday until Monday. Passengers are being contacted but the company has put a new timetable on its website www.eurostar.com