Dock workers have gone on strike after a “miserable” pay increase offer was rejected by union members.

Unite the Union has called Sheerness Dock owners, the GBA Group, “penny-pinchers” in the row.

GBA Group, which delivers Audi, Porsche and Skoda vehicles from the docks, has offered a 3.2% wage increase which has been rejected by members.

The union says its members need more money due to inflation, and that the current deal would be a real term pay-cut.

Deliveries of VW cars to the South East are set to face significant delays due to the strikes, according to Unite.

Regional officer, Phil Silkstone, said: “The penny-pinching owners at GBA Group have so far refused to meet in order to avert strike action.

“The offer leaves poorly-paid employees wondering how they’re going to pay the bills.

“We are fully open to talks to avert this strike action and ensure VW deliveries make their way to customers who are looking forward to receiving new registration cars in September.”

An improved offer was made to Unite on Tuesday but was rejected by 100% of its members as it fell “well short of what would be required to suspend strike action”, Mr Silkstone said.

Mr Silkstone added a suitable offer would be at least 7%, which would see members return to work while a decision was made.

The first round of strikes ran from Thursday, August 17 until yesterday.

More are planned if demands are not met, with weekly pickets from September 7 until October 12.

This comes after dock workers went on strike back in January 2022 over the car importers firing and then rehiring staff to change working conditions.

The dock’s owners GB Terminals, part of the GBA Group, turned over £16.4 million inthe year ending April 2022 and paid dividends of almost £1.3 million.

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said this showed it “can afford to pay its workers a decent wage”.

She said: “The company is making millions delivering Porsches and Audis while workers struggle to pay the bills.

“It’s completely unacceptable and the workers have Unite’s unwavering support.”

GB Terminals has been approached for comment.