Cargo movement under threat as staff picket port in pay dispute

PICKETS have been placed at one of the country’s busiest ports by disgruntled staff involved in a pay dispute.

The action by boatmen from Dunmore East threatens the movement of cargo in and out of the port of Waterford. It is feared the dispute could escalate, given the history of industrial action involving port workers.

SIPTU staff at the Port of Waterford placed a picket at the dock at Dunmore East on Sunday. The protest moved to the weigh bridge at one of the gates at Belview yesterday, the busiest part of the port. Boatmen typically bring pilots from shore out to vessels docking at the harbour. The pilots then bring vessels in and out of the harbour.