We've now had a couple of welcome comments from Costa employees. These help us to understand the pressures that they're working under.
I think it's fair to say that most passengers appreciate that staff work long hours in sometimes gruelling conditions (I'm thinking 'engine room' here, in particular!) for rewards and recognition that most of us would call 'inadequate'.
Probably the main complaint that most Europa passengers would level at Costa would relate to on-board leadership and direction/support from Genoa. If we'd been dealt with truthfully and punctually throughout as far as the itinerary was concerned then maybe, just maybe, our anger and frustration might have been contained.
Can any other Costa representatives offer insights into their working conditions and problems? Feel free to do so anonymously.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
One Costa Europa member of staff, who comes from the Far East, told us that he works 10 hours a day during a 9 month period for which he receives what he called 'low wages'. He said that he is then allowed 3 months unpaid leave but said that these conditions are better than if he just stayed in his homeland! Economic reality and/or ruthless exploitation?
ReplyDeleteYes, Terry. I spoke with one young cleaner on board who said he works 12 hrs a day 7 days a week for 6 or 7 months and is observed by cameras as he works. He gets 3 months unpaid holidays.
ReplyDeleteThere're a lot of 'parties' involved here...because Costa go through seafaring agents for employment purposes....There are times when they're promised a position but not given...and I don't think this is Costa's fault but rather the agent's fault. They promise them the world but couldn't deliver it.
ReplyDeleteIt could be ruthless exploitation or economic reality..depending where you stand and where you come from....everyone has a different opinion about this.
*crew onboard*
We felt the Filipino & Indian crew members were lovely.I too was told they work to contract, 7dys a week .I realise Costa would lose money, but wouldn't it make both passengers & cabin crew happier if our departure was at a civilised time,new passengers arrived in the evening or even next day,& crew had a few hours rest before their new tour.Engine failure sounds typical of Italian no maintenance concept.A UK ex chief engineer commented on our cruise 31/1-14/2 that when we left Mauritious the 2nd time we sailed the long way round the island to go to Reunion!!!!
ReplyDelete"Engine failure sounds typical of Italian no maintenance concept" .. Your comment sounds typical of a an arrogant and stubborn person". Next time, cruise on a British boat. And ensure that only your countryfellows are present during your holiday. So you can all act as you are used to, i.e. get drank all day long and insult the others.
ReplyDeleteRe engines and their 'failure' - regularity and thoroughness of maintenance is one issue as is the quality of the engineers doing the job. Other relevant issues are the age of the engines and the manufacturer's recommendations re viable 'running life'. Wonder what the answers to any or all of these points are for the Costa Europa?
ReplyDeleteNew information circulating today suggests that the ship (Costa Europa) encountered severe weather conditions while travelling from Savona to Mauritius in November (2008?) when damage to the propulsion system occurred. Can we obtain more specific detail as this might (?) be very important in establishing the facts behind the 'engine' failure we experienced.
ReplyDelete