With only days to go before Dover decides, Unite says there is a
viable option
14 March 2011
Unite, the UK’s largest union, is backing a plan which has
proposed that Port of Dover becomes a "People's Port" run by the
community of Dover following assurances received today (Monday 14
March) from the local MP, Charlie Elphicke and People's Port chair,
Neil Wiggins.
The People’s Port would be managed by a board made up of
representatives from the community of Dover, the workers at the
port and representatives of the ferry operators.
Unite is urging Doverians to vote YES in the Parish Poll on the
future of the Port of Dover. The Parish Poll will take place on
Wednesday 23 March between 4pm and 9pm at polling stations spread
throughout the borough. It will be conducted under the 1972 Local
Government Act.
Unite national officer, Julia Long, said: “We believe, given the
option between the proposed sale by the Dover Harbour Board of the
Port of Dover, and the creation of a People’s Port, there is no
option. The People’s Port is the answer. Unite is pleased to
support these proposals.
“Given the level of worker involvement in the management of the
port and the plans to secure the port’s future, there is just one
option on the table. This is a People’s Port run by the community
and for the community of Dover. We are confident Doverians will
back the vision to secure the future of this historic port.”
The poll will ask "Do you oppose the private sale of the Port of
Dover as proposed by the Dover Harbour Board and support its
transfer to the community of Dover instead.”
ENDS
For further information contact Ashraf Choudhury in the Unite
Press Office on 020 7420 8914 or 07980 224761.
