It has been confirmed this week that workers at the Port of Felixstowe will begin a second wave of strike action from 27th September, 2022, which will once again last for 8 days.

Unite and Hutchison Ports failed to reach an agreement on a 10% pay increase, which saw workers strike for 8 days previously from 21st August, 2022.

A statement released by the port said “The company has received notice from Unite the union of further strike action from 07:00 on 27 September to 06:59 on 5 October.

“We are very disappointed that Unite has announced this further strike action at this time. The collective bargaining process has been exhausted and there is no prospect of agreement being reached with the union”.

The port have since implemented their pay rise offer of a 7% increase to include a one off bonus of £500.

This wave of strike action will also coincide with strike action taking place at the Port of Liverpool, causing further disruptions to supply chains all over the globe, meaning some cargo ships will have to be redirected to other ports or be sent back to Europe.

Local hauliers reported losses of up to £70,000 during the first week of the previous strike action and are preparing to take another financial hit in already financially turbulent times.

Carriers and the ports combined are offering no dispensation on terms, which is why the Uniserve Group are offering off quay storage options where possible to keep disruptions to a minimum.

For further information and to discuss a contingency plan to keep your supply chains moving we encourage you to contact your Customer Development Manager on 01375 856060 or email crmteam@ugroup.co.uk.