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Port worker strike starts at FelixstowePort worker strike starts at Felixstowe

An eight-day strike has started by port workers at Felixstowe the UK’s largest container port.

Marcus Hand, Editor

August 22, 2022

1 Min Read
World's largest containership Ever Alot berthed at Felixstowe
World's largest containership Ever Alot berthed at FelixstowePhoto: Mary Bond

Talks to try and avert the strike failed and Union has rejected an offer of a 7% increase plus a £500 on off payment.

“We recognise these are difficult times but, in a slowing economy, we believe that the company’s offer, worth over 8% on average in the current year and closer to 10% for lower paid workers, is fair,” the Port of Felixstowe said in a statement.

At the end of July port worker members of Unite voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action over pay.

The Union called out the port operator, which is owned by Hutchison Ports, over putting profits and dividends ahead of worker’s pay.

 "Felixstowe Docks and its associated companies have been prioritising profits and dividends instead of giving their workers a decent share of the pie,” Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham.

It said that Felixstowe’s accounts for 2020 show the company made pre-tax profits of £61m while also paying a dividend of £99m. 

Felixstowe is the UK’s largest container gateway handling some 48% of the country’s box volumes.  A major port of call on the Asia – Europe trade it receives calls from some of the world’s largest container vessels such as the 24,000 teu Ever A lot pictured above at berth in Felixstowe at the weekend.

The strike has been estimated to impact some $800m worth in goods and trade that would have moved through the port during the eight-day strike. Container lines are diverting services to other ports both in UK and Europe. Maersk Line is omitting three calls at Felixstowe this week with cargo bound for the port diverted to other ports, some cases to be feedered from European terminals once the strike is over.

Related:Felixstowe port worker strike could disrupt $800m in goods

Read more about:

Port of Felixstowe

About the Author

Marcus Hand

Editor

Marcus Hand is the editor of Seatrade Maritime News and a dedicated maritime journalist with over two decades of experience covering the shipping industry in Asia.

Marcus is also an experienced industry commentator and has chaired many conferences and round tables. Before joining Seatrade at the beginning of 2010, Marcus worked for the shipping industry journal Lloyd's List for a decade and before that the Singapore Business Times covering shipping and aviation.

In November 2022, Marcus was announced as a member of the Board of Advisors to the Singapore Journal of Maritime Talent and Technology (SJMTT) to help bring together thought leadership around the key areas of talent and technology.

Marcus is the founder of the Seatrade Maritime Podcast that delivers commentary, opinions and conversations on shipping's most important topics.

Conferences & Webinars

Marcus Hand regularly moderates at international maritime events. Below you’ll find a list of selected past conferences and webinars.

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