EMEA News
Strike Threatened at UK Port
Workers at the UK Port of Felixstowe, Britain's largest container terminal, are threatening to strike over issues including a reduction in bonus payments, local paper the Ipswitch Star reports.
Talks have been scheduled between Hutchison Ports, which owns the port, and officials from the union Unite, after workers reportedly voted to authorize a strike.
The two sides are in a dispute over a package of changes to workers' terms and conditions.
Hutchinson Ports offered to suspend the changes briefly to allow for negotiations, but union leader Phil Pemberton said a management plan to reduce bonus payments and consider more reductions was "totally unacceptable."
"Contrary to the company's opinion the union are committed to ensuring the continued success of the port and our members," he said.
"However, I would like the workforce to be treated with respect and if there is a need for change that it is negotiated and agreed and never imposed."
A strike at the U.S. West Coast ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach disrupted shipments last fall.
