After two rounds of strikes, taking place earlier this year, 90% of workers at the Port of Felixstowe have voted to accept an offer of 8.5% plus £1,000 from January 1, 2023. In August and September, members of the Unite walked out after pay negotiations led nowhere.
The port eventually decided to implement the offered deal of 7% plus £500 without agreement from Unite the Union, saying all avenues had been exhausted. Port chiefs say the new agreement will provide ‘certainty and stability’ during a turbulent time.
Robert Ashton, chief operating officer at the Port of Felixstowe, said: “We are pleased to have reached an agreement on the 2023 pay deal. This is the earliest we have concluded an annual pay review and it provides welcome certainty and stability at a time when our employees, like everyone else, are facing an increase in the cost of living.”
A leading member of Unite the Union said: "The deal means that, as it stands, no further industrial action is due to take place at the Port. The agreement equates to 15.5 percent over two years. In that respect, our members regarded it a positive thing."
The agreement will come as a relief for both port chiefs and businesses affected by the strikes.
Source: eadt.co.uk