The Steam Packet has dismissed as ’absurd nonsense’ a union’s claims that two staff were dismissed on the grounds of their sexuality.

Passengers booked on the ferry from Liverpool at the weekend were handed leaflets apparently on behalf of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers alleging there are ’serious equality issues’ at the state-owned ferry operator. A demonstration was held at the Pier Head on Saturday afternoon.

The RMT claims that the two lesbians were dismissed without due procedure, by email, on the same day.

It alleged that their travel privileges had been removed earlier in an ’act of discrimination’.

In an email to RMT members, union general secretary Mick Cash said he was seeking an urgent meeting with Steam Packet management to call for the members’ reinstatement.

But in a statement, the Steam Packet dismissed the claims.

A spokesman said: ’The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company does not generally comment publicly on private matters relating to its employees or former employees.

’However, in this case we wish to make clear that the allegations are absurd nonsense and we are surprised that the RMT, which has a long-standing and productive relationship with the company, has allowed these statements to be issued in its name.’

In its leaflet, the RMT said it is ’incensed’ by the ’disgraceful and illegal’ treatment of two of its members. ’We demand they are reinstated immediately or further action will be taken,’ it warned.

In his email to union members, Mr Cash said: ’Liverpool shipping branch believes that the charges which have been levelled against our member have been trumped up and the company has not followed the correct procedures in respect of her case.

’She has been employed by the Steam Packet for six years and has never faced any previous disciplinary proceedings.

’She was dismissed on the same day as her partner and our Liverpool shipping branch is concerned that management is discriminating against her on the basis of her sexual orientation.’