More than 500 port operatives at the Port of Liverpool in the United Kingdom will strike over an “inadequate” 7% pay offer, according to the British trade union Unite, which pointed out that in real terms this pay offer is a pay cut.
In a ballot with an 88% turnout, 99% voted for strike action. The dates of the strikes have not yet been announced.
Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham said, “What’s happening at MDHC is another example of why workers in this country have had enough. Once again, a profitable company controlled by a tax-exiled billionaire is refusing to give its workers a cost-of-living pay rise. Our members at MDHC have Unite’s complete backing and support in these strikes for a fair pay rise.”
Peel Group-owned Mersey Docks and Harbour Company (MDHC) owns and administers the dock facilities of the Port of Liverpool.
Maintenance engineers at MDHC could also go on strike over the same pay offer. An industrial ballot of more than 60 engineering staff opened on 15 August and closes on 24 August, according to Unite.
The trade union believes that strikes by either group of workers will severely impact both shipping and road transport in Liverpool and the surrounding areas.
Unite national coordinator, Steven Gerrard commented, “The responsibility for Liverpool container docks grinding to a halt will lie firmly with MDHC. Our members are struggling with rising living costs, yet MDHC, which is awash with cash, puts forward a completely inadequate offer. It needs to come back with a deal that meets our members’ expectations.”
This announcement follows another planned strike in the UK with over 1,900 Port of Felixstowe workers, who are members of Unite, taking strike action later this month over pay.
