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GB Terminals Ltd workers, based at Port of Sheerness, abandon strike plans after pay agreement

11:45, 16 January 2020

updated: 13:02, 16 January 2020

Drivers at a logistics firm have abandoned plans to walk out after a new pay deal was agreed.

Workers at GB Terminals (Southern) Ltd, based at the Port of Sheerness, on Sheppey, have agreed a 2.1% increase in wages.

Imported cars unloaded at the Port of Sheerness
Imported cars unloaded at the Port of Sheerness

The 26 staff members are responsible for driving new vehicles off ferries and parking them before the vehicles are moved onto car transporters.

Staff voted for industrial action when requests for a pay rise were initially refused by the firm which instead wanted to introduce a pay freeze.

The move means walkouts due to take place tomorrow will now not go ahead following talks mediated by the conciliation service, Acas.

Unite regional officer, Philip Silkstone said: "Our members were determined to receive a pay rise and by standing firm and acting collectively they achieved it.

"They are satisfied with the result and are now ready to continue work as normal.

"All strikes have been called off and Unite looks forward to working constructively with GB Terminals in the future."

It means day-long walkouts planned for January 24, 31 and February 7 and 14 will not go ahead.

A further two 48-hour strikes on February 20 and 27 in addition to a four-day strike beginning on Monday, March 9, have also now been scrapped.

There were worries the strikes could have meant deliveries of new models of Audi, Porsche, Skoda and Volkswagen vehicles were delayed.

Read more: All the latest news from the Isle of Sheppey

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