More than 560 dockworkers are threatening to go on strike from September 19th to October 3rd at the Port of Liverpool. Unite Union is carrying out the strike over poor pay and improper working conditions. The strike will cause strain and widespread disruption in the shipping industry, which is already struggling with supply chain challenges.

The primary point of contention is the Union’s pay raise demand, which the Union says is much needed to offset the double-digit retail inflation rate in the UK. The port operatives and the maintenance engineers voted for a strike in August when they were offered a pay raise of 7% by MDHC Container Services. MDHC is a part of Peel Ports, the second largest Port group in the UK.

Workers are also striking over MDHC’s failure to honor the 2021 pay agreement. The workers stated that MDHC has failed to undertake the long overdue pay review, which has not been conducted since 1995 and has not delivered on its promise to improve shift rotas.

Unite Union has warned that the strike could severely disrupt the proceedings of Liverpool Port and the surrounding areas. They have also warned that there are more strikes scheduled in the coming weeks if MDHC refuses to table an acceptable offer.

Source: https://www.fleetmon.com/maritime-news/2022/39461/dockworker-strike-looms-over-liverpool-port/