Tankers set to be left at sea as Milford Haven pilots prepare to strike to defend pensions

By Andrew Bromhall, Milford Haven

Huge Oil Tankers could have to wait at sea due to a possible strike by the pilots who guide them through the Milford Haven Waterway. At present, the Pilot Teams who are members of Unite the Union and who provide navigational expertise to vessels in the Haven have implemented an overtime ban which is already impacting on the movement of traffic within the Haven.

Workers are unhappy at a proposed change in their pension scheme which would see new members have a less generous and secure pension and would in effect introduce a “two-tier ” pension scheme.

They are awaiting a response from management but according to Unite regional officer Allan Card, they are preparing for industrial action which will constitute a continuous strike beginning on February 19th.