Rumblings of strike action across UK ports

Unite has lodged a dispute concerning medical tests and standards for maritime pilots who navigate ships in and out of the UK’s waterways and ports.

It said that increased medical standards were introduced by ABP last July without any consultation.

“The health, safety and wellbeing of all colleagues is of critical importance to ABP. Having reviewed our already comprehensive package of health provision for our maritime colleagues, we have implemented a new regular health assessment to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of maritime colleagues, reflecting the demanding nature of the roles they carry out,” said an ABP spokesperson.

“We are disappointed that Unite have chosen to oppose the introduction of these measures, which we strongly believe are in the interests of their members. We continue to engage with Union representatives and the mention of industrial action is unhelpful.”

Loggerheads

Unite counters that it has no objection to improving standards, but there has been no negotiations and no detail about how these medical tests will be done or what happens if a member fails.

“Maritime pilots are scarce, skilled and highly experienced. Ships can’t leave or enter the UK’s ports without them. So, it’s all the more incredible that ABP Ports is refusing to negotiate important changes to their health and safety,” said Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham.

“Unite is not opposed to enhanced checks but they need to be negotiated and introduced fairly. ABP needs to realise that Unite stands ready to defend our members’ jobs, terms and conditions.”

The main bulk of Unite members are in South Wales (Swansea, Port Talbot, Barry, Cardiff and Newport), Southampton and the Humber (Port of Hull and Immingham), although the dispute could be wider and impact all 21 ports operated by ABP.

Pilots carry specific responsibilities set down in national legislation including The Pilotage Act 1987, under which they are already required to hold medical certificates.