Strike action at Felixstowe

Nearly 1,900 workers at Felixstowe plan to walk out later this month after voting 92% in favour of action after the latest round of Acas talks failed to yield a ‘reasonable offer’, according to union Unite. Further talks are planned for today (Monday).

Unite has rejected a 7% pay increase from employer, Felixstowe Dock and Railway Company, arguing it is well below the current rate of inflation using the RPI, its preferred measure. The union also points out that workers only received 1.4% last year.

“Felixstowe docks and its parent company, CK Hutchison Holdings, are both massively profitable and incredibly wealthy,” said Unite’s general secretary, Sharon Graham. “They are fully able to pay the workforce a fair day’s pay.”

’Multimillion-pound dividends’

According to company accounts, Felixstowe Dock and Railway Company has paid its owners dividends of £100 million and £42 million in 2020 and 2021 respectively.

“The company has prioritised delivering multimillion-pound dividends rather than paying its workers a decent wage,” said Ms Graham.

The company’s profits before tax rose to £78m in 2021, up more than 25% from the £61m it made the year before.

“We understand our employees’ concerns at the rising cost of living and are determined to do all we can to help while continuing to invest in the port’s success,” said a company spokesperson. “Discussions are ongoing and the company’s latest position in negotiations is an enhanced pay increase of 7%.

“The port has not had a strike since 1989 and we are disappointed that the union has served notice of industrial action while talks are ongoing. The port provides secure and well-paid employment and there will be no winners from industrial action.”

Unite has been approached for comment.