Hundreds of union members at the Port of Dover are set to start a three-day strike on Thursday.

It will be their second walk-out in protest at Dover Harbour Board’s plans to privatise 190 jobs, including mooring, trailer handling and security. A two-day stoppage took place last week.

The latest strike will start at 7am and will continue until the same time on Sunday.

Unite union members voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action, with more than 83 per cent in favour.

Unite says it does not take strike action lightly and is still prepared to negotiate over the best way of protecting its members’ jobs.

Jane Jeffery, Unite Regional Industrial Organiser, said: “This is the second strike our members are taking part in and they are determined to protect their terms and conditions of employment.

“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."