Milford Haven port strike threat (From Milford Mercury)

Milford Haven port strike threat

4:40pm Saturday 6th February 2010

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The threat of strike action by Milford Haven Port Authority (MHPA) pilots and launch crews could have serious implications across the UK.

Unite trade union regional officer, Allan Card, confirmed that up to 50 workers at the authority had balloted “very strongly” in favour of taking industrial action over “significant changes” being made to their final salary pension scheme.

Mr Card said workers, including pilots who play a pivotal role in navigating vessels — including LNG and oil tankers — into the haven safely, were told of the changes just before Christmas and were determined to protect their pensions.

Meetings were held on Monday and Tuesday between Unite, the MHPA and ACAS, the independent conciliation service.

Port authority chief executive Ted Sangster said: “The potential dispute concerns changes that are being introduced by the authority to its pension scheme and provision of pension benefits.

“MHPA and the union have agreed to meet again with ACAS, in order to continue discussions and find a solution.”

Mr Sangster said shipping movements in the haven were “unaffected at this time”.

However, he said the authority was working closely with customers to ensure contingency plans are in place to minimise disruption, should it become necessary.

Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb said: “The threat of any industrial action at the port which may disrupt oil and gas deliveries will obviously have very serious implications UK-wide.

“The port pilots do a critically important job often in very difficult conditions and are generally well compensated as a result.

“With regard to the situation at Milford Haven the pilots have every right to ensure any changes to their pensions are fair and properly undertaken.

“But a full blown strike at the haven would not be good news for the port or for the UK energy supply.”

A spokesman for South Hook LNG said: “This is a matter for Milford Haven Port Authority. “We will however continue to work closely with the authority in our day to day haven related business operations.”

MHPA and Unite have agreed to meet again with ACAS on Tuesday, February 16.

Mr Card met with union members last night (Wednesday) to report on progress from the two-day meetings.

“We have made progress. However, the possibility of industrial action still remains,” he said.

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