Dock workers face national strike

The first national dock strike for 14 years looked likely after members of the T&G transport union rejected a 2.9% pay offer by a margin of three to one.

The workforce of Associated British Ports is seeking a minimum hourly rate of £7.50 and £10.00 an hour for LGV1 drivers. Members working at 23 ports around the country are being asked to vote on strike action.

A strike by baggage handlers, check-in and administrative workers at British Airways was called off after a revised pay offer was made by the company.

Rises of 2.5%, backdated to 2003, lump-sum payments, and inflation-linked increases this autumn and in 2005-06 are being recommended for two separate bargaining groups. Brendan Gold, T&G national secretary, said the issue of attendance management had now been "entirely separated" from pay.

Ed Blissett, senior organiser of the GMB general union, highlighted a company commitment to negotiate on the elimination of lower-tier pay rates.