News from Labour Matters

Dover MP on the picket line calls for Port of Dover talks

Dover and Deal MP, Gwyn Prosser, is joining the picket line outside the Port of Dover today, but is still seeking a meeting with the Chairman and members of the Harbour Board along with union officials to find a sensible way forward which would avoid industrial action and the closure of the Port of Dover.

“This whole affair has been very badly handled by the Chief Executive of Dover Harbour Board, Bob Goldfield. Firstly, he has clearly ignored the strength of local feeling by attempting to get rid of nearly 200 members of the loyal workforce. Secondly, he persuaded his board to make decisions which radically affect his employees without any negotiations with them or their trade union and thirdly he made secret arrangements to employ former Gurkhas as strike breakers. Once the Gurkhas knew how they were being used they immediately downed tools and walked out,” said Mr Prosser.

“No-one wants to see industrial action and no-one wants to see the Port of Dover close and neither need happen if the Board see sense and allow meaningful negotiations to commence.”

Other news from Labour Matters

• Southampton Labour release alternative 'Budget for Fairness' - 6 February 2012
• "Bleak unemployment figures are bad news" says John Denham - 12 October 2011
• Westminster Council to cut Taxicard budget by £500,000 a year - 11 August 2011