The Port of Felixstowe remained closed today, despite the eight day dock works strike ending yesterday.

While huge container ships were waiting in the North Sea off the coast of Felixstowe, normal working did not resume as port bosses did not authorise overtime for this Bank Holiday Monday.

Members of the union Unite who work at the Port of Felixstowe completed their eighth day of industrial action on Sunday after protesting over pay.

It is the first time in 30 years that dock workers have gone on strike, which involved crane drivers, machine operators and stevedores, who load and unload ships.

Unite union members protesting (Picture credit: Felixstowe Nub News)

Unite's national officer, Robert Morton, says members wanted an "increase to match inflation and not to come back with anything less".

He adds: "I don't think 7% is a particularly generous offer in relation to the company's profits."

The company says the average wage of workers is around £43,000 but Mr Morton says some of the union's members were on £20,000 a year, so the "figures don't equate".

Paul Davey, a spokesman for the port which is owned by CK Hutchison Holding Ltd, says the strike action is "unnecessary".

"The offer we've made to them is worth £3,500 extra this year in their pockets and the strike Unite has called is actually going to take the thick end of £1,000 out of each of their pockets," he says.

"We will talk if they suspend the strike and they are committed to finding a resolution."