Unite, which represents mainly dock workers, says the proposal is significantly below the current inflation rate, and followed a below inflation increase last year.
“The port regrets the impact this action will have on UK supply chains,” a Hutchison Ports spokesperson said.
The port said it would have a contingency plan in place, and was working to minimise disruption during the walkouts which will last until Aug 29.
Shipping group Maersk, one of the world’s biggest container shippers, has warned the action would have a significant impact, causing operational delays and forcing it to make changes to its vessel line-up.
Figures released on Aug 17 showed Britain’s consumer price inflation hit 10.1 per cent in July, the highest since February 1982, and some economists forecast it will hit 15 per cent in the first three months of next year amid surging energy and food costs.
The squeeze on household incomes has already led to strikes by the likes of rail and bus workers demanding higher pay rises.
