Time:2022-09-05 Publisher:Kevin Num:3471
It is understood that the unite the Union has confirmed that more than 560 dockers at Liverpool port, the second largest container terminal in the UK, will strike from September 19 to October 3.
The specific time is from 6:00 a.m. on Monday, September 19 to 6:00 a.m. on Monday, October 3.
Liverpool port is the second largest container port in the UK after Felixstowe, handling more than 70 million tons of cargo every year. After the union rejected the 8.3% pay package, they decided to go on strike and demand a pay increase.
Previously, GLA also reported that the workers of mdhc container service company of peel ports voted for the strike in August. Of the 88% of the votes, 99% voted for the strike action.
In view of the current inflation rate in the UK, the joint announcement considers that the salary proposal is essentially a reduction.
Sharon Graham, general secretary of the trade union, said: "mdhc is controlled by a billionaire (John Whittaker), who has the ability to pay these workers an appropriate salary increase.
"MDHC needs to reconsider, make a reasonable offer and fulfill its previous salary commitment." The union said the strike would seriously disrupt shipping and road transport in Liverpool and surrounding areas.
Just last month, the staff of Felixstowe port held a large-scale strike over a similar salary dispute. At Britain's largest container port, container operations were suspended for a week. More strike action is likely to continue on Christmas Eve.
David Huck, chief operating officer of Liverpool's port operator peel ports group, said: "despite a series of meetings, we are very disappointed that the United trade union has confirmed the strike action of Liverpool's container port members.
Although we fully understand colleagues' concerns about the rising cost of living, we have proposed an industry-leading 8.3% salary scheme. All this is on the basis of a 4.5% increase in 2021, while there are also improvements in sick pay and pensions.
Considering the stagnation of the container market, the pressure of the global economy, the conflict in Ukraine and the interruption of global shipping, our remuneration is far higher than the national average.
The Union then commented that if mdhc "fails to make acceptable proposals to workers", more strike actions will be arranged in the coming weeks.
In addition, last Friday, the transport workers' Union TSSA announced that it would take further strike action in the Avanti West Coast Railway Network from September 15 to 17 to resolve disputes over wages, job security and conditions.