Workers at the Port of Felixstowe have launched an ongoing strike over wages starting August 21. As of now, they have not yet come to an agreement with CK Hutchison, the Hong Kong-based port owner.
General secretary of the British trade union Unite, which represents the workers in the dispute, Sharon Graham pointed out that the strike could continue until the end of the year, if Felixstowe Dock and Railway Company, the port operator owned by Hutchison Ports UK Ltd, does not improve its offer.
During negotiations on 8 August, the port operator offered a 7% pay rise and a single payment of £500, but the union rejected the settlement.
Ms Graham: “The company [Felixstowe Ports] is making an absolute fortune. It could pay 50% more on wages and still be in profit. We are asking for 10%. What is the problem? The company needs to come clean and open the books about their untold billions."
The strike continues to delay vessels and wreak havoc with supply chains. According to the latest report by the global information technology company, IQAX, 18 vessels have been delayed by the strike so far, while American business news channel CNBC reported that it could take around two months to clear the backlog.
Source: container-news.com