UK ports are heading for their first all-out strike in 14 years, as dockers working for Associated British Ports (ABP) prepare to vote on a nationwide walkout, after rejecting a pay rise of 2.9 per cent.
The strike would hit 21 ABP ports, including important fresh produce destinations at Southampton, Cardiff and Grimsby. ABP said it wanted to maintain a constructive and open dialogue with its workforce and union representatives.
Union members have been pushing for a minimum hourly rate of £7.50, and rejected the pay offer by three to one. The Transport and General Workers Union said it would be asking its members to vote over the next few weeks.
Workers are also demanding a one-hour reduction in the working week to 38 hours, plus changes to arrangements for holidays and parental leave.
"We are looking to raise not just the standard of living of our members but to bring employment conditions into the 21st century," said Graham Stevenson, the union's national officer for transport.
"If it takes a national strike ballot to make progress, then so be it."
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