Concern over transfer of Port of Liverpool staff

Union leaders have called for urgent talks after around 300 Liverpool dockers were transferred to a new employer.

The Port of Liverpool staff had been the responsibility of Drake Port Distribution Services since 1995.

But it has emerged Drake has lost the contract and the stevedores will now be transferred to Luton-based employment agency Blue Arrow.

The ECHO understands that the transfer is set to take place around mid-January next year.

Unite the Union has voiced concerns over the pay and terms of conditions of the staff, after Blue Arrow won the contract to supply labour to the port, which is currently building a £300m new container terminal at Seaforth capable of handling the biggest container ships in the world from the end of next year.

The Liverpool2 scheme is expected to create up to 412 port jobs.

Existing staff held a mass meeting regarding their transfer to Blue Arrow and called for urgent talks as soon as possible.

Unite regional officer Terry Teague said: “We had a good working relationship with Drakes and it is obviously a matter of concern that our members will be transferred to another employer – hence the call for the urgent meeting with Blue Arrow.

“We want to ensure that all the present agreements, jobs, terms and conditions and working practices are protected.

“Also, our members will expect their new employer to honour the promise made by Drakes to improve sick pay and introduce a bonus scheme.”

He added: “There is a lot of investment being pumped into the port which will enable Liverpool to take some of the world’s biggest container ships and our members are keen to play their part in securing a vibrant future for the port – but not at the expense of their pay and conditions.”

An artist's impression of the Liverpool2 container terminal at Seaforth

Unite represents dockers, boatmen, engineering operators, clerical and supervisory staff, warehouse staff and crane and plant operators.

A Blue Arrow spokesperson said: “We are delighted to have won the contract to work with Peel Ports and look forward to continuing to liaise with both the Port and the union to ensure a satisfactory transfer of the workers.”

And a Peel Ports spokesman added: “The tendering process is designed to ensure our customers receive the best and most efficient service but, importantly, it also ensures that workers’ terms and conditions are carefully protected under strict TUPE transfer legislation.

“We've already had a very constructive initial meeting with Blue Arrow and union representatives to discuss the smooth transfer of the contract and look forward to that process continuing.”