In the latest news, more than 1,900 workers at Felixstow, the UK’s largest container port, plan to hold an eight-day strike later this month due to dissatisfaction with wages.
This could cause serious damage to the UK’s largest container port, affecting the European and global container shipping system.
Previously, container terminal workers had a dispute with management over wage increases and therefore voted in favor of a strike.
Unite, the UK’s second largest union, announced that workers will go on strike from August 21st to 29th.
Union Unite said it rejected a 7 per cent pay rise proposed by employer Felixstowe Dock and Railway Company.
It is below the 11.8% Retail Price Index (RPI) inflation rate, its preferred measure, and workers received a 1.4% below-inflation pay rise last year.
Company figures show the average annual salary for relevant workers is £43,000.
Felixstowe, located northeast of London, is an important hub for UK imports and some exports.
Nearly 2,000 ships call at Felixstowe each year, operating approximately 17 routes and providing 33 route services to and from more than 700 ports around the world.
The port handles more than 4 million containers annually and accounts for nearly half of the country’s container trade. The strike is expected to affect 40% of UK container imports.
The union claimed the strike would have a “huge impact” on supply chains and cause serious disruption to international maritime trade, as many striking workers are crane drivers, machine operators and stevedores. Port operations are expected to come to a near halt.
The Department for Transport said in a statement: “This action by the unions could disrupt the delivery of vital supplies and goods and we urge unions and ports to stay at the negotiating table and reach an accommodation. We discuss potential impacts on port operations and supply chains.” The impact remains close to the port.”
Bobby Morton, Unite’s general secretary, said: “Strike action will cause huge disruption and will have a huge impact on supply chains across the UK, but this dispute is entirely of the company’s own making.”
Hutchison Ports said: “Felixstowe has not had a strike since 1989 and we are disappointed that the union issued a strike notice while negotiations are ongoing. The port provides safe and well-paid employment opportunities and there will be no winners from strike action.”
A “suitable for all parties” solution is being sought and discussions are ongoing. Another meeting with the union is scheduled for August 8.
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