Dover Harbour Board says the town’s port is operating “near to normal” despite a strike by trade union members due to last 48 hours.
Members of Unite began a protest at 7am on Tuesday at the decision to transfer 190 landside jobs to third parties in January, and hope the action will force the board’s chief executive Bob Goldfield to reconsider.
However, Mr Goldfield said the proposals were in the best interests of the ferry operators and the travelling public, and would pave the way for a second ferry terminal in the near future.
He said of the strike action: “We have put in place a thorough contingency plan with particular emphasis firstly on safety and security, and secondly on maintaining regular ferry services that will ensure the port remains open round-the-clock up to the implementation of the new working arrangements.
“It is regrettable that Unite have refused to enter into consultations on the detail of the transfers, despite an open invitation to do so.”
Despite the board’s assurances that it was business as usual, Kent Police says Operation Stack will likely be enforced at some point today.
However, a spokesman said the force was in regular contract with the board to see if it will be necessary to close parts of the M20 for delayed lorries to park there.
POSTED: 18/11/2008 10:15:00
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