SOUTHAMPTON is facing its first docks strike for decades after crunch pay talks between dock workers and the port owner collapsed.

The Transport and General Workers' Union is now asking members in the city and across the country if they want to walk out over the latest pay offer.

A spokesman claimed workers were "running out of patience" with the protracted negotiations.

As previously reported by the Daily Echo, dock workers backed industrial action after being offered a 2.9 per cent rise, prompting the company and the TGWU to enter arbitration talks at ACAS.

Those talks broke down after port bosses offered a three-year deal, which is unacceptable to the TGWU.

ABP, which posted profits this week of £135.4m, is adamant any action would not shut any of its 21 UK facilities, including Southampton, where it claims just ten workers are affected.

The TGWU says it is balloting 156 workers in Southampton and 300 nationally.

An ABP spokesman said: "It would categorically not lead to the closure of any of ABP's ports. For example, in the case of Southampton, fewer than ten staff, none of whom are dock workers, are subject to collective bargaining under the agreement."

Any action could have widespread implications locally, with 1,000 people directly involved in cargo handling and about 12,000 jobs in the region dependent on the port.

Previously, unions have said ships that try to dock during a strike could be turned away and encounter trouble operating at other unionised ports.

TGWU regional organiser Colin Carr said: "Our members had given us a clear indication that they were prepared to have a full industrial action ballot if negotiations failed.

"We met with ABP and made it clear we were prepared to negotiate to avoid a dispute.

"There is a determination by the TGWU members to make progress on pay at ABP.

"Our people have shown restraint and patience over the past six months. We would now urge ABP to recognise the mood has changed and people are running out of patience."

The result of the postal ballot will be announced in March.