Dover Port Functioning Despite Strike Action

Wednesday 19th November 2008

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Dover Port have announced that they are continuing to operate a full ferry sailing service despite the two-day strike by port workers. The workers, who are members of the union UNITE, are now approaching the end of their industrial action.

In total around 330 union members are taking part in the strike in protest at Dover Harbour Board transferring 190 jobs in January due to TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings [Protection of Employment] Regulations). The rest of the 570 workers have kept the port operating normally, and have been hailed by Chief Executive Bob Goldfield for their achievement.

Mr. Goldfield has spoken of the strike stating;

"I don’t deny staff their right of protest but this really is a pointless strike. They are denying their families income in hard economic times and they are being misled by the people who are supposed to be representing their best interests. It is highly regrettable that UNITE and those who purport to support the action, continue to give misleading and blatantly wrong information to the families of those on strike. Such people are using this dispute for their own ends and clearly do not have the best interests of our staff in mind.

"I would urge all staff to lobby their union to come to the table to discuss the detail of the transfers as time is running out for them. The fact that the union has declined the invitation by ACAS to facilitate talks is irresponsible."

The official end to the strike is scheduled for 07:00 on Thursday the 20th of November.