Big increases in traffic through the Port of Dover as the build up to cross-Channel Christmas shopping gets underway is reported by Dover Harbour Board.

The second Unite port workers’ strike at Dover ends at midday today (Saturday) and a DHB spokesman has said it has had no impact on ferry services.

Bob Golfield, DHB chief executive, said: “Clearly the strikes are having no effect on the port’s traffic. It’s pointless and the union must come to the table and negotiate the details of the job transfers with ACAS.”

Port management has received official notification of further stoppages by the union in week beginning December 8.

Director of Port Operations Robin Dodridge said: “ We will deal with these union stoppages as we have with the last two and there will be no disruption to traffic flows or to port operations. The union must surely realise by now that their actions are only damaging their members.”

The dispute is about Dover Harbour Board’s decision to transfer 190 mooring, trailer handling and security jobs to the private sector in January.

The first strike was over two days the previous week.

Jane Jeffery, Unite regional industrial organiser, said: “Our members are determined to protect their terms and conditions of employment. The workers are angry and feel they have no choice but to take strike action to defend their livelihoods.”