Liverpool dockers secure improved pay deal

Dock workers employed at the port of Liverpool have accepted a significantly improved pay offer.

Over 500 workers employed by the Peel Ports Group will receive a 4.5 per cent increase backdated to 1 June 2021. This is a major improvement on the two per cent offer that was originally made.

“This is a noteworthy deal which not only addresses pay issues but also improves conditions for Unite’s members,” said Sharon Graham Unite general secretary.

“Unite is totally committed to defending the jobs, pay and conditions of its members and other port operators need to take note that attempts to undermine the pay of our members will be totally opposed,” she added.

In addition to the pay increase, as part of the deal brokered by Unite the UK’s leading union, workers will receive:

• An increase on night allowance backdated to 1 June 2021
• Sixth or eighth shift paid at double time, backdated to 1 June 2021
• Introduction of group company sick pay
• Introduction of long service awards, backdated to 1 June 2021
• Introduction of benefit schemes including discounted gym membership and critical illness cover
• Commitment to review shift patterns by 1 June 2022.

The deal is highly significant as it will put additional pressure on other UK port operators to follow suit. Despite ports recording extremely high levels of activity other major UK port companies, including Forth Ports and PD Ports, are trying to implement wage freezes or force workers to accept very low pay increases, which amount to a pay cut in real terms.

Unite has previously warned that unless these unacceptable pay offers are resolved than the union will ballot its members for industrial action.

“This is an important settlement which met our members expectations and which not only dealt with pay but other workplace issues that Liverpool dockers had demanded needed to be addressed,” said Steve Gerrard Unite regional officer.