Strikes by Sheerness dock workers employed by GB Terminals will impact the supply of new plate Volkswagen Group vehicles next year, including Audi, Porsche and Skoda models, Unite, the UK’s leading union, said today (Wednesday 15 December).

Unite members, who process vehicles for dispatch that arrive in Sheerness by car transporter ferries, voted for strike action over plans by GB Terminals that will see more than 50 workers impacted by job cuts and changes to minimum overtime hours. 

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “GB Terminals is trying to maximise profits by targeting its hardworking staff. GB Terminals should understand that we will defend our striking Sheerness members’ jobs, pay and conditions to the hilt.”

The workers will hold four 24 hour strikes in January, 21 days of strike action in February and 20 days of strike action in March. 

The strikes, set when 2022 registered cars are being imported into the UK, will impact the supply of new plate VW Group vehicles into the UK.  

Unite regional officer Phil Silkstone said: “Our members are rock solid in their determination to prevent GB Terminals forcing through these unscrupulous changes. The strikes will undoubtedly impact the supply of 2022 plate VW vehicles into the country.

“The VW Sheerness docks contract is up for renewal and we know the other companies involved in the bidding process are not proposing such cuts. There are two ways for VW to avoid any disruption – either by pressuring GB Terminals to drop its plans or for it to award the contract to another bidder.”

If GB Terminals’ contract with Volkswagen is not renewed, employees would transfer to a new employer under Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) with all terms and conditions protected. 

ENDS 

GB Terminals’ cuts on jobs and overtime terms prompts Sheerness docks strike ballot

For media enquires ONLY contact Unite communications officer Ryan Fletcher on 07849 090215.   

Email: [email protected]  

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Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.