The first day of a planned strike at Britain’s largest container port began yesterday, joining a string of strikes by transport workers that have disrupted economic activity across the country.
About 2,000 workers at the port of Felixstowe, about 150 kilometers northeast of London, have left their jobs because of wages, raising concerns about serious supply chain problems. The port handles approximately 4 million containers annually from 2,000 vessels. This is almost half of the freight that arrives in the country.
Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, the labor union that called for the strike, said the company that operates the docks and its parent company, CK Hutchison Holding Ltd, are “making huge profits” and want more than workers’ welfare. also argued that the interests of shareholders were the priority.
“They can give Felixstowe workers a decent raise. It is clear that both companies prioritize multi-million pound profits and dividends over paying their employees decent wages.” ‘ she said.
Felixstowe Port said in a statement that it regretted the impact of the strike on UK supply chains. Employees said they were offered pay increases “equivalent to more than 8% on average this year.”
