Ukrainian workers on the formerSouthampton-based Cunard ship said they were not paid in March or April,reports the BBC.

The crew strike comes as the formerluxury liner plans to sail from its current base in Dubai to China to berefitted as floating hotel.

Owners Oceanic Group said an agencyhad been paid and blamed the political situation in Ukraine for the difficulties.

The BBC said it had has obtained aletter from the Ukrainian captain to the ship’s owners stating the 48-strongcrew has been on strike since 15 May.

“We