Serious concerns raised over working conditions in Docks, Ports and Waterways

The results show a highly experienced workforce reporting persistent problems that employers have failed to resolve.

 

Pay and the need for improved terms and conditions were the most frequently raised issues, with 34% of members citing inadequate wages.

 

Health and safety concerns were raised by 28% of respondents, including risks linked to equipment standards and site conditions.

 

A further 22% highlighted fatigue, long hours, and insufficient breaks as major problems.

 

Workers rated the sector’s safety culture at just 5 out of 10, indicating widespread dissatisfaction with employer performance on core safety responsibilities.

 

Additional complaints were raised about poor equipment and infrastructure, with around 10% of respondents reporting problems that impact operational safety and day-to-day working conditions.

 

RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “This survey exposes a pattern of low pay, poor safety standards and growing fatigue across docks, ports, and waterways.

 

"These are long-standing failures by employers to provide safe, properly resourced workplaces.

 

"Our members have decades of experience and know exactly what is going wrong.

 

"We will continue to campaign and organise in the sector, demanding fair pay, safe conditions and the basic standards every worker is entitled to.”

 

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