Unite made the threat by revealing the results of a vote among its members in Felixstowe, which was ultimately staffed by international ports company CK Hutchison. The union said workers backed industrial action over pay by 92% on a turnout of 81%. “The dispute is a result of Felixstowe Dock and Railway Company offering just a 5% pay rise to its workers,” Unite said. “This is an effective pay cut with the real (RPI) rate of inflation currently at 11.9%. “Last year the workforce received a below-inflation pay rise of 1.4%.” The proposed action, which Unite had expected to start next month with no real progress in resolving the dispute, is part of a wider campaign by unions for pay settlements to protect their members from the cost of living crisis. It has already included rail and rail strikes – with the prospect of more travel disruption to come. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 3:01 Rail strikes continue Felixstowe was yet to comment, but the prospect of a shutdown would have devastating consequences for the UK supply chain, which handles almost half of the country’s container traffic. It is also no stranger to disruption as there were delays in the run-up to Christmas last year due to a shortage of HGV drivers. Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison is one of the world’s leading operators of container terminals and port services. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The bottom line is that this is an extremely wealthy company that can fully afford to increase the wages of its workers. “Instead, he chose to give shareholders £100m of money. “Unite is focused on defending the jobs, pay and conditions of its members and we will give 100% support to our members in Felixstowe. “Employees should not have to pay the price for the pandemic with wage cuts. “Unite has taken on 360 disputes in just a few months and we will do everything in our power to stand up for workers.”
