UK port advisory: 8 days of strike action confirmed for Felixstowe port workers

Update 9th August 2022

Following final stage talks between management and Unite union on Monday, 8th August, the 8 days of strikes at the port of Felixstowe have been confirmed as talks ended with neither party reaching an agreement on an improved pay offer and the union rejecting offers for continued talks at this stage.

In a statement from the operators of Felixstowe Docks, a spokesperson said "We are disappointed and regret that despite our best efforts we have still been unable to reach an agreement with the hourly branch of Unite".

All other UK ports are likely to be impacted by during this period.

Original Update 5th August 2022

It has been confirmed that workers at the port of Felixstowe will strike for 8 days from Sunday, 21st August to Monday, 29th August as more than 1,900 Unite union members have agreed to take part in industrial action.

The strike comes as Felixstowe Dock and Railway Company, employers of workers at the port, failed to improve on its initial 7% offer for increased pay.

The latest strike in a line of industrial action across European ports is expected to have a significant knock-on effect on ocean freight across the wider UK and European supply chain, with almost half of the UK's container traffic passing through Felixstowe.

Further discussions between Unite and Felixstowe Dock and Railway Company are expected on Monday, 8th August.

We will keep this page up to date with the latest developments.

If you have any immediate concerns regarding your UK supply chain, please contact the team here.