New turbulence to be expected in the United Kingdom.

The ongoing wage strike at the world's largest cargo port will result in "serious disruption" to the supply chain, a Unite union official said on Monday.

The eight-day social movement started on Sunday at the port of Felixstowe, in the east of England, "could be finished this afternoon if the employers agree to meet with us for real negotiations", underlined Robert Morton, boss of the logistics branch of the union.

Otherwise, “the supply chain will suffer serious disruptions.

This is one of the unfortunate consequences of such situations, ”he added to Sky News television.

The first strike since 1989 for the Port of Felixstowe

Unite members are calling for wage increases "at least equal to the rate of inflation", while employers have offered 7%, he said.

"If we don't get our way, there will be more strikes," he warned.

Inflation reached 10.1% over one year in July and could exceed 13% in October, the highest level of a G7 country.

This is the first strike since 1989 for this port, which handles around four million containers a year.

According to a note from financial analyst firm Hargreaves Lansdown released on Monday, Felixstowe "is a vital cog in UK business operations, and an eight-day strike risks leading to supply disruptions to supermarkets".

A showdown with management

A Felixstowe official noted management had adjusted their stance, from a 5% to 7% raise plus £500 bonus paid at once, while Unite remained on 10%, he said.

“Only one of the two parties is trying to reach an agreement,” added Paul Davey, director of public affairs for the port, on Sky News.

This strike is the latest episode in a series of industrial action for better wages in the United Kingdom, where households are facing a historic drop in their purchasing power.

The country experienced between Thursday and Saturday three consecutive days of work stoppages that disrupted transport, including the London Underground.

Other professions have mobilized, such as lawyers, who announced on Monday that they had decided to strengthen their movement following an internal consultation of their order, which risks aggravating the congestion of the courts.

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