Dockers at the UK port of Tilbury are today staging their first strike since 1989, protesting at the arbitrary introduction of new contracts.The 45 employees of Enterprise Distribution Centre (EDC) – members of the Unite union – began a 24-hour strike at 10pm last night.The workers are picketing outside the main gate over the company’s decision to introduce a “follow-the-ship” contract – meaning that staff work when ships are ready for unloading, and not to set shift patterns.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.“Members are annoyed at the complete lack of negotiation and consultation. Since the ballot for strike action, we have had no formal communication with the company.“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.”EDC deals with the unloading and distribution of paper reels.
Dockers strike in overtime row
DOCKERS in Tilbury mounted their first strike for 23 years today in a row about overtime.
Around 45 dockers from the Enterprise Distribution Centre went on a 24 hour strike, with many picketing outside the main gates of the port of Tilbury.
The dispute centres around the port’s introduction of “follow the ship” contracts, meaning dockers will work when the ships are ready for unloading, and not set shift patterns.
The move will see many workers at EDC, which deals with the unloading and distribution of paper reels, loose between £2,500 and £5,000 a year in overtime.
A spokesman for the Port of Tilbury, which employs 3,500 people, said: "EDC customers have been kept fully informed and are aware that there will be no impact on their operations.
"Management at The Port of Tilbury are disappointed that Unite have decided to escalate this matter in this way despite detailed discussions held with the EDC workforce."
Around 45 dockers from the Enterprise Distribution Centre went on a 24 hour strike, with many picketing outside the main gates of the port of Tilbury.
The dispute centres around the port’s introduction of “follow the ship” contracts, meaning dockers will work when the ships are ready for unloading, and not set shift patterns.
The move will see many workers at EDC, which deals with the unloading and distribution of paper reels, loose between £2,500 and £5,000 a year in overtime.
A spokesman for the Port of Tilbury, which employs 3,500 people, said: "EDC customers have been kept fully informed and are aware that there will be no impact on their operations.
"Management at The Port of Tilbury are disappointed that Unite have decided to escalate this matter in this way despite detailed discussions held with the EDC workforce."
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