Strike breakers, branded 'scabs' by colleagues, have been paid a £400 bonus by the Port of Felixstowe for crossing the picket line, it has emerged.

A letter sent to individual dockers, which is now being circulated more widely, thanked the dockers who went into work during the eight day strike last month and praised them for their 'courage and conviction'.

Peacefil picket line at Port of Felixstowe (Picture credit: Nub News)

The Port of Felixstowe branded letter said: "Deciding to cross a picket line is not easy, especially given the backdrop of some pretty intimidating social media. 

"I know you have your own personal reasons for coming into work, but I would just like to say a big thank you from the entire executive team.

"Your courage and conviction to come into work really has made a difference. 

"In recognition of this we would like to award you with a £400 net payment.

"Once again, thank you for coming to work."

The letter, signed by the port's chief operating officer, made clear the bonus would be tax free.

A Port of Felixstowe spokesman said told Nub News they had nothing further to add.

An angered dock worker, told Nub News: "This shows the level the Port of Felixstowe's Chinese owners will go to not give in. They are very hard line.

"I did not vote to go on strike but the majority do, and that is democracy. I could never be a scab and would not cross a picket line, so I have missed out personally.

"More importantly though, is the disruption facing everyone if, or when, more industrial action takes place.

"I just wish the owners and the unions would sit down together again and get things sorted otherwise I can se this have a huge detrimental effect longer term, not least with Christmas goods starting to come in."

Further industrial action remains possible as the two parties remain locked in a pay dispute following the strike action.

The cost of the strike action, was felt by hauliers with one boss claiming his firm lost £70,000 over the eight days, and a serious slow down on the Bank Holiday Monday following the striker when workers were told not to go in as overtime would not be paid. 

Adam Searle, managing director of CP Transport, reportedly said: "The were no vessels arriving with cargo so the days we were working were a waste of time. 

"I had to pay drivers' wages, office overheads, insurance and tax but I had no incomings."