Port staff who fear their jobs are under threat are being asked if they want to take industrial action.

As revealed last month, around 190 jobs could be axed after Dover Harbour Board decided to stop running its dockside operations in February, and license them out to ferry operators.

Among those affected are vessel mooring, linkspan operations, trailer handling services and goods unloading and re-loading.

Dover MP Gwyn Prosser has described it as a “betrayal of a loyal workforce” and warned that the changes could affect safety.

The opportunity to bid for the business will go to third party organisations as well as ferry operators.

The 190 staff affected have been told that job losses will be minimal and that their jobs will be transferred to the new supplier.

Gary Punton, port convener for the Transport and General Workers section of the union Unite, went to Brighton to meet with the Unite’s general secretary Tony Woodley.

“He gave us his full support and the union’s support in any actions to change the harbour board’s mind,” said Mr Punton.

“We are now discussing what we should do. One of the things we are considering is industrial action.

“We are holding a ballot to gain the views of staff before holding a formal ballot, which is part of the legal process.”

Mr Punton said talks had been held with board representatives but no progress had been made.