Workers at the Queen Elizabeth II dock on the Mersey to vote on strike action after a worker who cares for his disabled mother was sacked for challenging a new work rota. Tony McDonough reports

Unite the Union is to ballot workers at the Queen Elizabeth II dock at Eastham on possible strike action after one of their colleagues was sacked.

Located next to the entrance to the Manchester Ship Canal on the River Mersey, the Queen Elizabeth II dock is home to a new £10m automotive hub that brings parts from Spain for the Stellantis van factory at Ellesmere Port.

It also handles oil tankers using the discharging jetties at Eastham Locks for the giant Stanlow oil refinery nearby and has been operated by maritime shipping and logistics specialist GAC since 2020.

Unite says the worker was sacked because a change in hours meant he could no longer care for his disabled mother.

It adds that GAC sacked the man for “refusing a reasonable working request”. He had informed the company he could not comply with the new rota due to being the primary caregiver for his mother.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “GAC has behaved appallingly towards our member.

“The company knows full well that he is the primary caregiver for his disabled mother and should have offered a workable solution. This is a cruel and totally unjustified decision that has incensed the workforce and it will not go unanswered by Unite.”

The workers, who are jetty operators, are being balloted for industrial action with the ballot takin place from July 17 to July 30. LBN understands around 20 workers are involved.

READ MORE: Stanlow hydrogen power plant to switch on in 2027

Unite regional officer Steven Gerrard said: “GAC’s clients will be alarmed that they are being impacted by the company’s terrible and unjust treatment of this worker.

“GAC needs to reverse its decision immediately and enter talks with Unite to find a flexible working solution for our members, otherwise this dispute will escalate.”

In a statement GAC said: “GAC UK has no comment to make about this situation at this time.

“The GAC Group is renowned for its care of, and compassion for, all of its staff. The Group operates under the most stringent Code of Ethics and QHSSE procedures.”

Peel Ports and Spanish logistics specialist Suardiaz completed the £10m logistics hub for automotive giant Stellantis in late 2023. It provides a supply chain link via sea between the Stellantis factory in Ellesmere Port and the company’s sister plant in Vigo in Spain.

A twice-weekly shipping route ferries essential parts between the two locations. It is estimated that sending parts by sea instead of by road will reduce annual CO2 emissions by 30% and energy consumption by 37%.