Union chiefs are meeting today after Port of Felixstowe bosses imposed a pay rise on its workers.

In a letter dated 6 September, sent by Robert Ashton, (see below) the company's chief operating officer, workers were told a new pay deal of 7% plus £500 (equivalent of 8.1%), for this year was being unilaterally implemented.

Mr Ashton also said in the letter: "We apologise that despite our best efforts we have not been able to come to a sensible agreement with your shop stewards committee and hope you understand the situation.

"It is regrettable we have arrived arrived at this position as the company believes in constructive collective bargaining on wages."

He concluded by saying the company would be opening talks with the Unite union early next year to discuss a 2023 pay award.

Dockers took part in eight days of industrial action in August after 81% of its 1,900 members voted to go on striker.

The shop stewards committee at the port will decide today on the way forward for their members, with more industrial action a possibility.

Nub News reported on Monday how dockers who crossed the picket line and worked during the eight day strike were given an unsolicited £400 bonus as a thank you by port bosses.

Full story here.

Letter sent yesterday