The industrial action at the Port of Liverpool has ended after Peel Ports Group and Unite the Union agreed a deal, which includes a 14.3-18.5% pay increase according to job grades.
At a mass meeting held at the docks, around 600 workers voted overwhelmingly in favour of the deal, ending escalating strike action which began in September.
In terms of basic pay, there is a 9% increase, while a new pay structure for port operators has been agreed.
According to Peel Ports, this will complement its commitment to the development and upskilling of these employees.
This agreement, along with an increase to night shift allowance, enhances the pay deal by a further 0.2%-4.5%.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is a highly significant victory for the Unite members on Liverpool docks. The determined resolve of our members on the picket line and Unite’s strikes-plus strategy has forced the company to see sense and do the right thing. Make no mistake – Unite will continue to fight for jobs, pay and conditions and defend workers relentlessly.”
Peel Ports’ chief operating officer David Huck said: “We are delighted to have closed the pay deal with Unite the Union and look forward to continuing to work in partnership with focus on the future.
“We thank our key customers across the supply chain for their support and patience during a challenging period for them, as well as our employees and the wider business.”
He added: “We have invested £1.2bn (US$1.4bn) over the last decade, helping Liverpool to proudly reclaim its position as one of the UK’s most important port operations and the busiest transatlantic port in Britain.”
Unite national officer Bobby Morton said: “The hard work and solidarity of our members and reps at Peel Ports, combined with the union’s strategic tactics, has paid off.
“This victory is another reminder of why those who want to improve their pay and working lives should join Unite and become part of the fight for a better deal.”
