Low-paid essential workers kept services afloat during pandemic

November 23rd: Unite, which represents members working for Burke Shipping Services, today (Tuesday) announced that workers are set to take strike action on Friday 26 November, with a further day of action scheduled for Monday 29 November.

The company, which is a division of the Fane Valley Cooperative, provides a range of services at the port of Londonderry.  Workers ensured the movement of essential goods throughout the pandemic.

Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham said: “ Workers in Burke Shipping Services deserve pay parity with the rest of the sector – and the sector as a whole needs a pay boost in recognition of their critical contribution during the pandemic. Unite is now totally focussed on defending our members’ jobs, pay and conditions and that includes the workers at Burke Shipping.”

Commenting, Unite Regional Officer Gareth Scott said:

“Our members perform essential tasks ranging from stevedoring to warehousing. They continued working throughout the pandemic, ensuring the smooth movement of goods.

“They are now seeking a pay increase to bring them in line with comparable workers in the sector.

“The resolution of this dispute is in the hands of Burke Shipping Services, and Unite remains available to engage with management to avert the strike action set to start on Friday”, Mr Scott said.