SUPERMARKET's shelves could be exposed as an eight-day workers' strike begins today at Britain's largest container port.
About 1,900 members of the Unite at Felixstowe are set to drop out of a wage dispute - and could lead to higher prices in stores.
This is the latest outbreak of industrial action to hit more and more sectors of the economy.
Workers, including crane drivers, machine operators and stevedores, are taking action after voting in favor of the strike by more than nine to one.
Trade unions said the suspension would have a major impact on the port, which handles about 4 million containers a year from 2,000 ships.
Britons face the worst cost of living crisis in 60 years, although experts warn a lack of strikes could push up commodity prices and fuel inflation.
But port sources insist the strike was "an inconvenience rather than a catastrophe" and that supply chains are accustomed to post-pandemic turmoil.
36} "Disruption is the new normal. Supply chains have moved from 'just in time' to 'just in case'," he added.He also suggested that some suppliers of white goods such as refrigerator freezers might actually welcome a break due to slowing sales due to the cost of living crisis.
Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham said: was very wealthy and distributed his £99 million to shareholders that same year.
"Then they can give the workers in Felixstowe a decent wage. Both companies prioritize millions of pounds in profits and dividends over paying decent wages to the workers."
'' focus on improving employment, wages and conditions for its members to ensure that this dispute is resolved and appropriate wage increases are ensured. Provide full support to Felixstowe workers until
The Port of Felixstowe issued a statement: "The company regrets Unite's failure to accept our offer to call off the strike and come to the table for constructive discussion to find a solution."
“We recognize that these are difficult times, but in a slowing economy, the
"Unite has disappointed its employees by not consulting them on the proposal." As a result, employees were put in a position to lose their pay for going on strike.
"The Minato regrets the impact this action will have on the UK supply chain. We appreciate your support and are working with our customers to mitigate the disruption.
''The port offers safe, well-paid employment and there are no winners from this needless industrial action.
Unite National Officer Robert Morton said businesses affected by the strike action at Felixstowe should contact the port's parent company.
A union official told BBC Breakfast: 'Don't blame us for the actions that are taking place now. %At the table we say we'll see you again, but our position remains unchanged.
"These companies have to contact their employers at the port and try to relocate them. That way the supply chain will be open and everyone will be happy.”
Felixstowe handles nearly half of the containerized cargo entering the country, The action could mean that ships have to be diverted to other ports in the UK or Europe.
The company added: “The Felixstowe Port workers union, representing about 500 positions, has voted to accept the same salary proposal that Unite has refused to present to its members.
”Staff support We thank you and urge Unite to pause the strike scheduled for August 21st and to offer the same offer to hourly members this year, worth between 8.1% and 9.6%. ''
