UK – The Milford Haven Port Authority (MHPA) and the Unite Trade Union have concluded discussions that have resulted in an agreement to diffuse the possibility of industrial action being undertaken by the ports pilots.
The dispute concerned changes that are being introduced by the MPHA to its pension scheme which would have seen a move from a non-contributory scheme to a contributory one and also a raise in the retirement age to 65 from 60.
The new deal now means that the employees will be offered several options for them to choose from, and this has been met with agreement by Unite.
Speaking of the successful resolution Alec Don, the Chief Executive at the Port of Milford Haven, said “I am pleased that there will be no industrial action at a time of such uncertainty for both the wider economy and a number of our customers in particular.
“One of my priorities is to re-establish a strong sense of partnership between the Authority and its marine staff, who have a vital role to play in ensuring MHPA’s ability to continue to invest in the future of the port.”
Milford Haven is the sixth largest port in the UK and one of the biggest energy import areas in Europe, with nearby refineries and storage areas handling some 25% of the UK’s refined petroleum product and around 30% of the nation’s gas supply. As a result any form of industrial action involving the port’s workers would likely have had a seriously disruptive effect upon the UK’s economy.
