Operation Stack could be brought into operation tomorrow (Tuesday) if Dover port is closed due to strike action.
Hundreds of members of the union Unite at the Port of Dover will be taking part in a 48-hour strike beginning at 7am tomorrow.
They are hoping that industrial action will force Bob Goldfield, chief executive of Dover Harbour Board, to reconsider his decision to outsource 190 landside jobs.
Jane Jefferies, Unite regional industrial organiser, said: “Our members have voted overwhelmingly for industrial action to protect employment with the Port of Dover.
“The workers are angry that the company has done nothing to help resolve the situation and now feel they have no choice but to take strike action to defend their livelihoods.
“We believe the people that the port has drafted in do not have the experience necessary to cover our members’ jobs at one of the busiest ports in the UK.”
If the action does close the port, Operation Stack, in which police use sections of the M20 to queue delayed lorries, could be implemented.
Assistant Chief Constable Allyn Thomas said: “People living, working or regularly travelling in Kent know from experience to try to stagger journeys, car share, work from home or not make a trip unless it is absolutely necessary.
“We would particularly appeal to hauliers and lorry drivers to plan their schedules around this intended strike if at all possible and it will prevent you being delayed for some considerable time should Operation Stack be introduced.”
However, Mr Goldfield has stressed that it will be “business as usual” and Dover Harbour Board is confident the port can still operate the majority of services.
POSTED: 17/11/2008 15:49:17
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