Unite the Union has confirmed that strike action will take place at the UK port of Liverpool from September 19 to October 3.
According to Peel Ports Group, owner and operator of the port, the union rejected a pay package increase of 8.3 percent.
David Huck, chief operating officer at Peel Ports Group, added: “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 percent. This is all in addition to a 4.5 percent increase in 2021, with improvements to shifts, sick pay and pensions, and following continuous and above average pay awards over the last 10 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.”
The industrial action will follow strikes at the port of Felixstowe, where unions have warned that disruption could continue unless an improved pay offer is provided. The initial eight days of strike action began on Sunday August 21.
