How to put a coin back in the machine? Dubai-based DP World reported a record half-year profit of $721 million, angering UK unions. The company, controlled by Dubai’s ruling family, is known for being the parent company of the infamous P&O Ferries.
The company made headlines last March when it announced the overnight dismissal of nearly 800 British seamen, quickly replaced by much cheaper contract workers. Most of the sailors had been notified by videoconference, without prior notification or union consultations.
Quickly, the British authorities had decided to file a complaint against the company, before finally retracting. For its part, P&O Ferries had assured that these massive layoffs were essential for the survival of the company, undermined by the health crisis. Its general director, Peter Hebblethwaite, had thus assumed this decision during a hearing before the deputies, quickly becoming the “most hated CEO in the United Kingdom”.
If DP World does not specify the income generated by its subsidiary, most of its profits come from other divisions, The Guardian points out. The group notably operates 78 ports around the world.
Source: BFM TV
