Felixstowe strike could escalate until Christmas - trade union

A trade union boss warns that unless Felixstower port workers receive better pay offers, their initial eight-day strike may last until Christmas.
PHOTO: Container handling facility at the Trinity terminal in Felixstowe. Port of Felixstowe

Sharon Graham, general secretary of the Unite trade union, signalled that the ongoing strike at Felixstowe port could be extended through to Christmas unless workers are given an improved pay offer.

Graham said that disruption at the port “is not necessary” and bosses “just need to pay the 10%” increase in wages that the union is requesting for workers.

A pay cut request was deemed "absolutely abhorrent" by Graham, and she added "we will escalate the dispute unless the port made a revised offer.”

A strike was called by nearly 2,000 dock workers and has been going on since Sunday at the Port of Felixstowe, which handles nearly 40% of all containers going to and from the UK. It is the first strike in 30 years at the port.

By Konica Bhatt

Please get in touch with comments or additional info to news@engine.online