THREATS by a maritime classification society of a 75 per cent pay cut for participating in industrial action will backfire, Nautilus International said today.

Nautilus members began collective action over a below-inflation pay offer at Lloyd’s Register in the Netherlands on December 1.

The union’s executive officer Richard Moti said: “The paltry wage increase that Lloyd’s Register has offered is lower than inflation, while profits are sky high.

“This is unfair to all employees who work, day and night, for Lloyd’s Register. 

“Employees began with a very friendly campaign, in which customers are spared — but now, after receiving threatening messages from Lloyd’s Register, their actions will only harden. 

“If they really go through with it, we will see them in court. This is unprecedented in the Netherlands.” 

Nautilus has called for a backdated general pay rise for all employees of 4.5 per cent for this year.

A Lloyd’s Register spokesman said: “We remain committed to constructive dialogue and expect to conclude our annual pay review in due course. Given that this process is ongoing, we believe the collective action initiated by Nautilus is premature and disproportionate.”