Staff members including dock workers, engineers and police working at the Port of Bristol, employed by the Bristol Port Company, have accepted an 8% pay increase.
The 300 employees, represented by trade union Unite and employed across all grades, previously rejected a pay offer from their employer. This was followed by an extensive period of negotiations, culminating in an 8% pay rise, in addition to a lump sum payment equivalent to a further 1.1% of the employee’s salary.
Gareth Lowe, regional officer at Unite, said: “By standing together Unite members at the Port of Bristol have ensured that the employer has made a significantly improved pay offer.
“The pay increase will offset the cost of living crisis that members are currently experiencing.
“Special credit must go to Unite’s reps at the Port of Bristol, without whose hard work and dedication it would have been impossible to achieve such a positive result for members.”
Anthony Wills, senior representative at Unite, added: “This shows how partnership working and collective bargaining can and should work in favour of our membership.
“We’re pleased the employer has met with our reps team and been able to see the sense in a proper pay award that keeps our members financially afloat in an unprecedented economic climate.”
The Bristol Port Company was contacted for comment prior to publication.