Port of Liverpool strike confirmed

Workers will walk out on 19 September for two weeks having voted to reject an 8.3% pay package from MDHC which is operated by port owner Peel Ports Group. This follows action at the Port of Felixstowe and a number of other sectors all walking out in protest at pay amid the current cost of living crisis.

Unite said the company had only offered a 7% pay rise, despite making £30m in profits in 2021.

“Workers are sick to death of being told to take a hit on their wages and living standards while employer after employer is guilty of rampant profiteering,” said Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham

“MDHC needs to think again, table a reasonable offer and fulfil its previous pay promises,” she added.

The port argues that the pay rise follows an increase of 4.5% in 2021 with improvements in shift patterns, sick pay and pensions.

‘Well above national average’

“Our pay offer is well above the national average and represents a sustainable position for the business,” said David Huck, chief operating officer of Peel Ports Group.

“We will continue to urge Unite the Union to keep talking with us so together we can find a resolution to avoid action that will be bad news for the sector, businesses and families, with the effects being felt for many months to come, at a time when container volume demand has started to reduce,” he said.

The port points to recruitment of an additional 150 staff at the port over the past year together with investments in training and safety. “Liverpool Port operatives earn 20 per cent more than the city average,” said Mr Huck.

“We’ve also considerably improved terms and conditions over the last four years across shift patterns, sick pay, pension contributions and other benefits, bringing 600 port operatives on a par with all other employees after they were transferred from their former agency employers in 2018.”