The December meeting of the executive committee of the Transport and General Workers' Union condemned the behaviour of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company in sacking the 500 dockers and pledged to take steps to relieve the hardship caused to families.
The union's general secretary, Bill Morris, said:
"The dispute is an example of unfair Tory laws being used to sack skilled and long-serving employees. The T&G fully shares the sense of outrage felt throughout the community in Merseyside."
The executive's resolution condemned 'the company's refusal to continue to work towards a negotiated settlement to this dispute' and demanded immediate negotiations.
Talks between the union and the company have now begun.
