News

An estimated five hundred port workers and supporters gathered in Dover yesterday (15 November) ahead of their planned 48-hour industrial action next week.

The workers are due to go on strike from 7.00am on Tuesday (18 November) for 48 hours in their fight against Dover Harbour Board's proposals to outsource their jobs.

The angry banner waving workers were joined on the rally by a contingent from northern France. They marched from Pencester Gardens, through the town centre to the seafront.

Dover Harbour Board has said the port will remain open during the walk-out, as non-striking staff have completed a programme of training in mooring and security skills.

The rally was in protest at the port's chief executive Bob Goldfield's refusal to negotiate on the proposals.

Unite regional industrial organiser, Jane Jeffery, said members felt they were left with no choice but to take industrial action as they had been left "angry" by the way they had not been listened to so far.

The rally was addressed by Unite national secretary Brendan Gold, regional secretary Steve Hart, Jane Jeffery and Labour MP for Dover and Deal, Gwyn Prosser.