Fears of major UK supply disruption as 2,000 workers go on strike at largest port

Almost 2,000 workers have downed tools at Felixstowe, the UK's largest container port, in an eight-day strike, causing fears over its impact on the supply chain and leaving shoppers waiting for goods.

Felixstowe, on the east coast of England, processes about half of the UK's container trade and the strike will cause considerable disruption to the flow of goods. Shipping group Maersk, one of the world's biggest container shipping companies, has warned of significant impact and delays.

Like strike action in many other sectors in the UK, workers are demanding more pay as the country battles extremely high inflation levels. The port's operator Hutchison Ports, has offered workers a seven percent pay rise but the Unite union, which represents mainly dock workers, says that is not enough.

Transport has particularly been impacted by general industrial action from workers struggling to cope with the cost of living crisis.

Last week saw trains ground to a halt as rail workers took to picket lines around the country.

"What we are looking for is a fair pay rise for workers who have been on the frontline throughout the pandemic, key workers who have not had a pay rise in three years," said Luke Chester, an official from the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association.

Authorities at the Felixstowe Port say they do have a contingency plan in place to minimize disruption during the walkouts but as the economic situation continues to put a squeeze on household incomes, there is likely to be more strike action to come.

Britons are increasingly concerned about the outlook for the economy. Recent data showed consumer confidence hit a record low in August, the lowest level since records began in 1974.

With inflation up more than 10 percent and the Bank of England forecasting a rise to more than 13 percent come the autumn, economists are warning that more tough times lie ahead.

（CGTN）