Port of Liverpool strike threat averted after deal reached

The Port of Liverpool container terminal at Seaforth on the River Mersey

The threat of strike action at the Port of Liverpool has been lifted after a deal has been struck that puts all dockers who have worked for Blue Arrow for more than one year on the same terms and conditions as each other.

Earlier this week members of trade union Unite had voted to take strike action and reject an initial pay offer from Blue Arrow.

The union wanted all workers to be put on the same employment contract. Until now, Blue Arrow had operated two types of contract, with one offering more favourable terms such as better sick pay and overtime pay. This morning Unite's members voted to accept a deal that sees all staff, who have worked for Blue Arrow for one year, put on the better contract.

Also, rostering patterns will be improved. Workers had complained that they had been required to work long hours with no certainty about when

they would get time off. The new terms take effect in the New Year.

Under the three-year pay deal, all workers will get a minimum annual pay rise of 2% a year. That figure could increase if dock workers in the direct employment of port operator Peel Ports receive bigger increases.

Unite shop steward Terry Teague told the ECHO: "The lads have voted unanimously to accept the deal. It's a vastly improved deal.

"It gives improvements in the conditions. It increases the sick pay scheme. it gives everybody guaranteed time-off and more importantly

ends the divisive system of diffent contracts by placing all the workers on the enhanced contract."

"Everybody is happy."

Around 105 Unite members voted to accept the offer at this morning's meeting.

The threat of strike action at the Port of Liverpool has been lifted after a deal has been struck that puts all dockers who have worked for Blue Arrow for more than one year on the same terms and conditions as each other.

In a statement, Blue Arrow said: "Blue Arrow is extremely proud of its on-site team who in the last six months have managed to achieve what

couldn’t be achieved prior to Blue Arrow taking over in February, this year. This 3-year deal is a significant move towards a greater work-life balance for the dockers and brings stability back to the port."

Ground-breaking agreement

Dock workers’ resolve secures three-year pay deal

Alex Flynn, Friday, July 3rd, 2015 

Dock workers working for Blue Arrow at the Port of Liverpool have agreed to a ground-breaking three-year pay deal that lifts the threat of strike action, Unite announced today (July 3).

Members agreed to the package at a mass meeting held this morning at the Seaforth container terminal. The deal ends the proliferation of different contracts of employment which had been viewed as divisive and unfair by the workforce.

The three-year deal includes guaranteed wage increases for the next three years, with a minimum increase of six per cent across the board and further rises, if the port authority agrees a higher percentage increase.

It also stops the erosion of the superior 40 hour contract of employment by aligning everyone to those terms after 12 months employment.

Additionally, the two tier sick pay scheme will end, with 168 members getting an increase in their sick pay entitlement by next month. By the end of August 2017, everyone will be on the enhanced sick pay scheme after six months employment.

The agreement moreover gives everyone guaranteed time off with the introduction of a roster, giving workers at least two days off for every six days worked.

Unite regional officer Terry Teague hailed the terms secured by members willing to stand up for their rights in the workplace.

“This is a ground breaking agreement that brings the pay and conditions of Liverpool dock workers into the 21st century,” Teague said. “The deal ends division and provides security for hard-working dock workers who are central to making the port a success.

“It is testament to the resolve of our members and once again shows that Unite has a real voice in the dock industry by negotiating a modern agreement for a modern port.”

 was only other month there final pay offer was 2% nothing else on offer or on the table . 
We went to ballot were 92% voted in favour of strike action. 
We got offered a improved offer on Monday that was rejected . 
The reps and full time official put what we wanted and they agreed to everything and give us everything . It was voted in today so shows what you can all achieve if you keep fighting and standing together .

Brilliant , well done to the 92% who voted to strike!! I wonder if the 8% who voted against striking will stick to their principles now and refuse the new pay rise and improved conditions??? No they wont will they !!!!!