Ferry port strike set to go ahead

Unite members and their families took part in rally on Saturday in Dover

Nearly 200 workers at one of the UK's busiest ports are planning to go ahead with a 48-hour strike in a row over the privatisation of their jobs.

Dover Harbour Board said it was confident it could run a "near full" service despite the walkout, due to start at 0700 GMT on Tuesday.

But the Unite union said it did not believe people trained to cover for its members had the necessary experience.

Kent Police warned the strike could lead to freight and traffic delays.

Members of Unite voted about eight-to-two in favour of a strike over plans to transfer 190 jobs to the private sector in the New Year.

The harbour board said the port will remain open during the walk-out, due to end on Thursday morning, with managers and non-union staff trained in mooring and security standing in.

"We are confident we can maintain a good service to our customers and safety and security will not be compromised," said chief executive Bob Goldfield.

"The management of the port will do all it can to keep the port running.

"Freight movements, in particular, are critical to the UK economy and we have a duty to ensure this vital port in the country's supply chain is not disrupted by unnecessary industrial action."

'No choice'

Unite said its members were determined to protect their terms and conditions of employment, particularly their pensions. which would be threatened by the outsourcing plans.

"The workers are angry that the company has done nothing to help resolve the situation and now feel they have no choice but to take strike action to defend their livelihoods," said spokeswoman Jane Jeffery.

Kent Police warned if ferry crossings were affected by the strike, a backlog of traffic could build up.

In that case, Operation Stack would be implemented with sections of the M20 closed to allow vehicles to park.

"We would particularly appeal to hauliers and lorry drivers to plan their schedules around this intended strike if possible," said Assistant Chief Constable Allyn Thomas.

"It will prevent you being delayed for some considerable time should Operation Stack be introduced."