Hundreds of workers at Bristol's two ports have agreed what they are calling a 'significant' pay rise, after initially rejecting the company's first offer.

The workers, who range from dockers and engineers to police officers and crane operators, have been in negotiation with the Port of Bristol bosses for much of the summer.

Now, the union that represents around 300 workers, has claimed a victory, after the Port of Bristol returned with an improved pay offer.

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The offer, of an eight per cent pay increase and a further lump sum payment equivalent to 1.1 per cent of a worker's salary, was agreed, and the looming threat of industrial action at the Port of Bristol - which runs both Avonmouth and Royal Portbury Docks, was ended.

“By standing together Unite members at the Port of Bristol have ensured that the employer has made a significantly improved pay offer," said Unite's regional officer Gareth Lowe. "The pay increase will offset the cost of living crisis that members are currently experiencing.”

“Special credit must go to Unite’s reps at the Port of Bristol, without whose hard work and dedication it would have been impossible to achieve such a positive result for members," he added. The increased pay offer comes as inflation tops ten per cent and household energy bills are expected to see an 81 per cent price cap rise in October, which would take the typical bill to £3,582 a year, and then a further 19 per cent rise in January - up to £4,266 a year.

Postal workers are the latest to vote for strike action in Bristol, joining Amazon workers in Avonmouth, who staged a wildcat strike after being offered a 35p an hour pay rise, rail workers in the RMT union and ASLEF, and care workers at the St Monica Trust group of nursing homes.

Unite's senior rep for the Port of Bristol, the freehold of which had been owned by the people of Bristol until it was sold by then-Bristol Mayor George Ferguson in 2014 for £10 million, said they had managed to secure a 'proper' pay award, and so would not be striking. “This shows how partnership working and collective bargaining can and should work in favour of our membership," said Anthony Wills.

“We’re pleased the employer has met with our reps team and been able to see the sense in a proper pay award that keeps our members financially afloat in an unprecedented economic climate," he added.

Bristol Live contacted the Port of Bristol company, and is awaiting a response.

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