ABUSIVE BEHAVIOUR TOWARDS STAFF AT HARWICH INTERNATIONAL PORT

Our ref: HSR

Head Office Circular: NP/110/25

10^th July 2025

To: The Secretary,

Shipping Branches and Regional Councils

 

Dear Colleague

 

ABUSIVE BEHAVIOUR TOWARDS STAFF AT HARWICH INTERNATIONAL PORT

 

Your Harwich Shipping Branch submitted the following resolution:

 

This branch calls upon the General Secretary to set up a joint meeting with Stena Line B.V and Harwich International Port regarding the safety concerns in relation to the safety of our members through drink driving lorry drivers, both shore-based port workers and ship-based members working on car decks.

 

The ever-increasing abusive behaviour received from haulers aimed at both port-workers and ship-based members, mainly at reception desk where female members feel threaten most.

 

At our first amalgamated branch meeting held on the 2^nd July 2025, this was an issue that the branch feels needs addressing with urgent effect before one of our members is either injured or even worse. The resolution was passed unanimously by those present.

 

This has been an on-going issue and has been raised through both port-workers and ship-based members at their respective local meetings. With Harwich International Port stating they have policy in place regarding drinking drivers in the lorry park, which has never been seen used and is ineffective in stopping this happening. And drivers continue to drive lorries onboard the vessel under the influence of alcohol putting our members at risk both quayside and on the vessel’s car decks.

 

The branch calls on the General Secretary to pursue a meeting with R.M.T, Stena Line B.V and the management of Harwich International Port to discuss our safety concerns within the port and onboard vessels loading in Harwich International Port.

 

At its meeting on 8^th July 2025, your National Executive Committee resolved as follows:

 

That we note the resolution from our Harwich Shipping Branch and thank them for it.

 

Accordingly, we instruct the General Secretary to convene an urgent tripartite meeting with Stena line B.V. and the management of Harwich International Port to discuss the safety concerns within the port and onboard vessels loading in Harwich international Port. 

 

I am acting in line with these instructions. Please bring this circular to the attention of all relevant members.

 

Yours sincerely

 

Eddie Dempsey

General Secretary