Contract dispute in UK dock




Workers in the UK port of Tilbury have been taking strike action in protest over attempts by their employer to impose a new contract.

Some 45 Forth Ports employees based at the Enterprise Distribution Centre (EDC), a paper terminal at Tilbury docks, took strike action from 22:00h on 7 May until 22:00h on 8 May. Represented by the ITF-affiliated Unite union, the workers are furious that the EDC has decided to introduce, without consultation, a “follow the ship” contract. This would mean that staff would work when the ships are ready to be unloaded rather than to set shift patterns. Working conditions for the workers have till now been regulated by local collective agreements between the employer and Unite.

The ITF dockers’ section, affiliates and the ITF inspectorate became involved in the dispute, following news that a vessel was due to enter the port during the strike.

Unite regional officer, Jane Jeffery said: “Our members are set to lose about £2,500 a year because EDC is arbitrarily imposing these new contracts.”

“We want to hold meaningful and genuine talks with the management on this issue. This is a 24-hour strike – the first by the dockers in 23 years – but more strikes could be on the cards, if there is no movement in this dispute.”

Since the strike, it has been reported that the employer is now prepared to enter into talks with the union; these are likely to take place this week. However, if talks fail, Unite may ask affiliated unions of both the ITF and the International Dockworkers’ Council to take legal solidarity action in support of the workers.

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