Felixstowe and Liverpool ports again sees strike threat loom

The UK’s largest port, Felixstowe, is again facing the threat of an eight day strike action, with workers ready to walk out in tandem with those at Liverpool’s port.

The Unite Union, which represents around 1,900 workers seeking inflation linked pay increases, has pencilled in a strike from 7am on Tuesday 26th of September, until 6.59am on Wednesday 5th of October. The strike follows an earlier eight day action, as previously reported and are the first industrial actions since 1989.

Workers are seeking a raise on the 7% pay deal put to the workforce by the Felixstowe Dock and Railway Company, arguing that inflation is running higher and that the offer represents a real terms pay decrease.

The strike comes during peak season, when good set for the Christmas period will be on the water, which for bicycle retailers planning a stock up on kids’ bikes, among other lines, could be a concern.

Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham said: “Felixstowe and (its owner) CK Hutchison are both eye-wateringly wealthy but rather than offer a fair pay offer, they have instead attempted to impose a real terms pay cut on their workers.

“Since the beginning of this dispute Unite has given its total support to its members at Felixstowe and that will continue until this dispute is resolved.”

Meanwhile the port’s management countered with “We are very disappointed that Unite has announced this further strike action at this time.

“The collective bargaining process has been exhausted and there is no prospect of agreement being reached with the union.

“The port is in the process of implementing the 2022 pay award of 7% plus £500 which is backdated to 1 January 2022.”

The news comes as ocean freight rates are coming back down to earth. As a further note, it is believed that the UK’s ports and onward transit were already some of the slowest globally.