Port workers march before strike

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Several hundred workers at the Port of Dover, in Kent, have taken part in a rally ahead of a 48-hour strike against proposals to outsource their jobs.

Members of trade union Unite, employed by Dover Harbour Board, and their families waved placards and banners.

They were joined by union members from French ports as they marched from the town centre to the company's headquarters on the seafront.

Their industrial action is due to start at 0700 GMT on Tuesday.

Members of Unite voted about eight-to-two in favour of a strike over plans to transfer jobs to the private sector.

They've shown great loyalty to the port through good times and bad Gwynn Prosser, Dover MP

The harbour board has said the port will remain open during the walk-out, which will end on Thursday morning, as non-striking staff have completed a programme of training in mooring and security skills.

Saturday's 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 and Labour MP for Dover and Deal, Gwyn Prosser.

'Enormous flexibility'

Speaking afterwards Mr Prosser said that many workers had been employed by the board for as long as 30 years.

"In recent years the workforce has shown enormous flexibility. They've shown the company they're able to compete with the best.

"So with that background the town is absolutely stunned by the behaviour of the chief executive, Bob Goldfield.

"They've shown great loyalty to the port through good times and bad and are being rewarded by being told their jobs are just going to be hived off without any negotiations at all."

The port operates 52 tourist and freight departures, and 14 freight-only departures every day and employs 570 staff in total.