British trade union Unite is to begin a second wave of strike action at the Port of Liverpool from 11 October (today) to Monday 17 October.
The port operator Peel Ports said the union rejected an average increase of 10.2% in basic pay. Port of Liverpool management highlighted “the offer is 2% higher than the UK’s key measure of inflation (CPIH) of 8.2% at the time of pay anniversary negotiations in June, and 5% higher than the national average of 5.2%, as per ONS figures.”
On the contrary, in an announcement on 10 October, Unite said that port workers are about to start a week-long walk out demanding a pay rise in line with inflation (RPI) which is currently 12.3%.
Peel Ports said that last week, Unite demanded a 15.7% pay rise and refuses a tripartite meeting with ACAS, the independent advisory, conciliation and arbitration service.
A spokesperson for Peel Ports noted, “Unite continues to make unrealistic and unsustainable above-inflation pay demands, whilst declining a meeting with ACAS. We are concerned Unite have no interest in resolving matters through the collective bargaining arrangements we have in place or via an independent ballot, as it continues to push for more strikes.”
He went on to add, “Ongoing strikes are hurting Liverpool City Region’s businesses and prospects for future growth and jobs, at a time of economic uncertainty and volatile market conditions. We call on Unite to reconsider the greatly enhanced offer via an independent ballot, so we can bring these damaging strikes to an end.”
