Port workers accept deals linked to RPI

Port workers in the Forth estuary and at Tilbury have accepted three-year pay deals giving above-inflation rises this year and inflation guarantees in the second and third years. Cash sums add to the value of the deals in both cases.

Administrative and middle management staff at Forth Ports, represented by the TSSA transport union, received a 4% pay rise from 16 March in the first stage of their three-year deal.

The 2006 pay rise will be 3%, but with a link to inflation as measured by the December retail price index (RPI) - see the table below. In 2007 the projected pay rise is 3.5%, but with the same stepped inflation link providing for rises of up to 5%.

In addition to these increases, an annual payment of £800 will be payable to all employees on 15 July of each year (or to coincide with their main holiday in the May to September period if they wish).

At Tilbury, the T&G transport union has negotiated a 3.5% rise in all elements of pay this year, plus an additional £600.

In 2006 the increase will be the RPI + 0.5%, subject to a minimum of 3% and a maximum of 5%. And in 2007 a minimum 3% increase with stepped inflation-linked levels (as in the Forth Ports agreement) will again allow for a maximum possible rise of 5%.

Forth Ports pay 2006-07

December RPI Pay rise