Second UK port faces strikes

More than 500 dockworkers at the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company, part of Peel Ports, have voted 99% in favour of a walk-out over pay and working conditions, according to the Unite trade union.

This latest action follows an earlier decision by workers at Felixstowe to walk out for eight days later this month.

The union has not yet provided details on the duration or timing of the strike but has said that the industrial action at one of the UK’s largest container ports, will bring operations ‘grinding to a halt’.

“Our members at MDHC have Unite’s complete backing and support in these strikes for a fair pay rise,” said Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham.

Peel Ports said it had offered a 7% increase to basic pay on top of a 4.5% pay increase last year and other improvements to shifts, sick pay and pensions.

The Bank of England forecasts inflation in the UK will reach 13% this year and Unite said this would result in a real terms pay cut for workers.

Peel Ports has urged the union to keep talking to resolve the dispute.