After a challenging couple of years for the Port of Felixstowe, the UK’s largest container port looks set to face further disruption with strike action planned for August after a vote from union members.
Unite members, who are responsible for all aspect of the port’s operation, recorded a 92% vote in favour of strike action on an 81% turnout.
The port, which is operated by Hutchison Ports, has already had a tricky couple of years with problems including congestion, vessel diversions to other ports and issues with the vehicle booking system.
According to Unite, the dispute is a result of the Felixstowe Dock and Railway Company offering a pay increase of 5% to its workers.
With the real (RPI) rate of inflation currently standing at 11.9%, the union declared the offer to be an effective pay cut.
Last year the workforce received a below inflation pay increase of 1.4%.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The bottom line is this is an extremely wealthy company that can fully afford to give its workers a pay rise. Instead it chose to give bonanza pay outs to shareholders touching £100m (US$120m).”
The union cited that the Felixstowe Dock and Railway Company had made pre-tax profits of £61m (US$74m) in 2020, when it also paid out £99m (US$120m) in dividends.
Unite regional officer Miles Hubbard said: “Strike action at Felixstowe will inevitably create huge disruption across the UK’s supply chain.
“This dispute is of Felixstowe’s own making. Strike dates have yet to be announced but even at this late stage the dispute could be resolved by the company returning to negotiations and making a realistic offer.”
