Today, Unite the Union has confirmed strike action is to take place at the Port of Liverpool between 06:00 Monday 19 September and 06:00 Monday 3 October.
The move is designed to disrupt operations at the UK container port after a pay package of 8.3% was rejected by the union, and following demands for greater pay increases.
David Huck, Chief Operating Officer at Peel Ports Group, said: “Despite a series of meetings, we are very disappointed Unite the Union has confirmed strike action by its Port of Liverpool Containers’ members.
“Whilst we fully appreciate our colleagues’ concerns on the rising cost of living, we have proposed an industry leading pay package of 8.3%. This is all in addition to a 4.5% increase in 2021, with improvements to shifts, sick pay and pensions, and following continuous and above-average pay awards over the last ten years.
“Our pay offer is well above the national average and represents a sustainable position for the business, taking into account stagnation in the container market, worldwide economic pressures, the conflict in Ukraine and global shipping disruption.
“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.
- We’ve recruited an additional 150 staff for Port of Liverpool container operations over the last 12 months, investing significantly in training and safety. Liverpool Port Operatives earn 20% more than the Liverpool City Region average.
- 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.
- Peel Ports has invested £500 million into the Port of Liverpool Container Terminals, as part of a £1.2bn investment programme over the last ten years to support sustainable business growth, creating over 400 quality new jobs
- Today we have over 200 CVs on file from applicants awaiting recruitment opportunities at the Port of Liverpool.”
