Strike action affects major island services

STATES manual employees staged a walkout this morning leaving parts of Guernsey at a virtual standstill. States Works staff, non-medical personnel at the PEH, airport, Dairy, and harbours all protested at the 3% pay increase offer they have received.

The harbour was shut as staff, including ro-ro ramp operators and crane drivers, joined the strike and the airport was closed for just over 30 minutes because fire crews would not offer cover.

That delayed the arrival of today's mail and national newspapers. Mont Cuet and the Dairy were also closed and about 40 hospital employees walked out. However, the hospital remained open because a contingency plan was in place to provide adequate cover.

Workers are frustrated by the Public Sector Remuneration Committee's failure to come to an agreement with union representatives and are angry that the committee referred the matter to the industrial disputes officer without making further efforts to resolve the issue.

• Follow the day's developments here.