Dock workers at Felixstowe were given a boost this morning when Sharon Graham, the Unite Union general secretary paid them a visit.

Almost 1,900 members are striking fort better pay after rejecting a 7% offer, along with a one off £500 payment.

The workers, which includes crane drivers and dock support workers are looking for nearer 12% to help keep up with inflation amid a cost of living crisis.

Mrs Graham admitted the strike could go on until Christmas if the employers do not come up with a better deal.

She said: "Yes, obviously and unfortunately I have to say, if they don't come back to the table this action will continue, and that's not good for the public, it certainly isn't good for these workers and I'd also say it's not good for the employer."

A number of strikers have admitted they are needing to use food banks and have cut back on energy usage among other things and they are prepared to fight on, while waiting for an acceptable offer.

Engineer Stefan Long, who was among the striking workers, said: "If we can't reach an agreement that's worthwhile even balloting us as the members on, then it'll go as far as it needs to go.

"People feel so strongly about this, it speaks for itself."

Paul Simon, head of strategic affairs and communications with the Chamber, said: "On behalf of our members and indeed the wider business community in the county, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce urges both sides in the dispute to resume meaningful face-to-face negotiations. 

"A sustainable and long-term settlement is essential to guaranteeing the ongoing confidence that businesses have built up over the decades in the Port of Felixstowe as the country's key international trade gateway."

Paul Davey, the port's spokesman said: "A lot of our employees feel let down by Unite. Many want to work and are angry that they have not been allowed to vote on the latest company offer.

"Unite say they are a democratic union but their words don't match their deeds and they are promoting a national agenda at the expense of many of our employees.

"The port has offered a deal worth 8.1% to 9.6% this year. The strike imposed on them by Unite is an effective pay cut of 2.2%. Many employees have told us they want to come to work but feel too uncomfortable to do so."

However, evidence from the picket line, and the nearby roundabout where scores of dock workers and supporters had gathered, di not back his claim.

The atmosphere was light-hearted, non threatening with many families, including children and babies happily jining there parents.

Unite members entertained themselves with impromptu sing songs and dancing, and with four days to go, the impression is the determination to continue remains strong as the port lays idle.