Union members at the Port of Felixstowe have rejected the company’s latest settlement offer after workers gave notice of industrial action last week.
“We are disappointed and regret that despite our best efforts we have still been unable to reach an agreement with the hourly branch of Unite,” reads the port’s latest operational update.
During talks on 8 August, the port improved its position offering a £500 lump sum in addition to 7 per cent pay raise. The staff branch of Unite and the Police Federation of Felixstowe Dock and Railway Company have agreed to put a similar offer.
The hourly branch of Unite has rejected the port’s offer.
“We urge them to consult their members on the latest offer as soon as possible”, continues the update.
“There will be no winners from a strike which will only result in their members losing money they would otherwise have earned.
“Our focus has been to find a solution that works for our employees and protects the future success of the port.”
The union has also rejected the company’s offer to meet again.
Strike action is feared to have a huge effect on the country’s supply chain and cause severe disruption to international maritime trade.
In the meantime, the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) announced a further round of strike action set to cause disruption across UK rail network.
Some 40,000 workers across Network Rail and 14 train operators are planning a walkout on 18 and 20 August.
