Port of Felixstowe workers on why they are taking part in the Unite strike this week
Strikes over pay and conditions at the Port of Felixstowe have entered its second day.
At the UK's largest container port 1,900 workers are withholding their labour for eight days in hopes its owner, Hutchinson Port Holdings, will meet their demands.
Unite, the trade union that organised the action, has called for workers be given a 10 per cent pay rise to match the rising cost of living.
A seven per cent pay rise offer from the port was rejected by workers, and was described as 'below the rate of inflation'.
Ninety two percent of the port's workers voted in favour of a strike, according to a union representative.
This includes crane drivers, machine operators and stevedores, all coming out to the first strike at the port in 30 years.
A Unite spokesman said: "Unite has worked out that a pay rise will cost around £6 million, so the port can afford it without getting themselves in trouble financially.
"The port's owner, Hutchinson, handed out £99 million to its shareholders in 2020 and has seen 28 per cent higher profits."
He added: "None of us want to be here, but sometimes you have to stand up for what you believe in.
"All the union is asking for is a pay rise. We understand a business is a business and you have to put money in to make money - but do they need to put this much in?"
The attendees hope their demands will be met swiftly so workers can return to their posts.
The spokesman described the strikes as a 'peaceful, respectful protest' and that they haven't abused port workers who decided to turn up to work.
He concluded: "Strikes cause disruption, there's no getting around it. We don't want to do this, but the quicker we get a resolution, the less disruption there is overall.
"The company can end it today. If they gave us a sensible offer - it doesn't even have to be 10 per cent - we'd take it to the workforce and let them decide if it's enough."
A tug driver attending the rally, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed she was striking over both better pay and conditions at the port.
She has been working at the Port of Felixstowe for a year and five months.
She said: "We want better conditions, better pay, and to be treated like humans.
"It's nice to see every part of the port come together in solidarity."
One key issue for the protestors is over what they referred to as 'withheld pay'.
According to them, part of advertised salaries are kept as a bonus and handed out every six months.
Their main gripe is that things such as minor accidents, sick days, or even performance issues, means this total may be deducted.
They feel this is a major issue as all accidents must be reported, and overall performance is taken as an average for their group, which means those not pulling their weight can affect worker bonuses, they said.
The tug worker said she felt 'a little guilty' over the disruptions caused by the strike action.
She added: "I think the port felt more people would turn up to work than actually turned up. It's a sad situation.
"For example, as we're not working, hauliers, who transport the containers, will also lose out on pay."
She concluded: "I'm more than happy to go short for a few months if it means I'm better off in the future.
"I know workers at the port who have families - and they're having to rely on foodbanks to get by.
"The extra money isn't going to be spent on holidays or luxuries, it's going to be spent adapting to the rising costs of living, like on utility bills."
Another worker, who also wished to remain anonymous,is also 'fighting for a better future'.
He claims tugs, the vehicles used to transport the containers from cranes to storage areas, have no air conditioning or heating, are uncomfortable, and apparently leak in the rain.
He said: "I don't think they're safe. We're protesting because of how we're being treated."
Someone in his group explained that the bonuses are deducted in percentages, with 5 per cent being deducted if you turn up late.
There was a 10 per cent deduction if you forget your hard hat and gloves, and the first sick day sees £28 taken from their bonus, he claims.
He added: "It's not a 'bonus', it's used as a punishment and people are losing pay through no fault of their own.
"If someone in your team slacks, because they're ill or tired, they hold other's pay back as performance is taken as an average."
He also said that, despite the advertised salary of £31,000, the bonus puts it down to £24,000.
This apparently makes it more difficult to get a mortgage on a house, as only the £24,000 is mortgageable.
He also feels the newer contracts are confusing for newer workers to get their heads around.
Kieran, who has been at the port for three years, fears for the long-term stability of their roles.
He revealed the port authority has been spending money on autonomous technology, which he fears will lead to a reduction in operators.
In 10 to 12 years, he is worried many could be jobless, and so he's striking because he believes it could save his job.
He also remains sceptical of much of the electric technology that could be taking over.
He said: "What they don't tell you is that lithium and cobalt mining are also awful for the environment, perhaps moreso than fossil fuels, and machines that run on electricity are inefficient."
He is worried about the safety of autonomous tugs and the potential for accidents.
Charlie Matthews, an engineering shop steward for Unite and worker at the port, is also protesting over 'confusing terms and conditions'.
He said the port is creeping in new contracts that give staff roles - usually managerial - to engineers, which thins their numbers.
He also feels new contracts see newer workers - as much as a quarter of the workforce - paid far less.
Mr Matthews said: "With our current contracts a dock worker with a family of four will be £25 better off on the dole, and many workers have to claim certain benefits just to get by.
"The strike action isn't just about myself and the engineers - it's about getting everyone up to our level.
"My job will be done when everybody is on the same pay, subject to the same terms and conditions."
Charlie also hopes the union and authority come to an agreement earlier than the planned eight days.
He added: "They can give us a pay rise, they just won't. If not now, then when do we stand up?"
The Port of Felixstowe was approached for comment, but has yet to respond.
According to PA, the port made an offer to workers, equivalent to a 10 per cent pay rise for lower paid staff, which the union apparently did not consult workers on.
It also 'regrets the impact' on UK supply chains the strikes will have.
The port sees 48 per cent of the containerised freight into the country, which means ships may have to be diverted to other ports for the duration of the strikes.
