MARINE pilots on the River Clyde are being balloted on industrial action in a pay dispute, Unite announced today.

Around a dozen are angry their employer Clydeport has refused to bring their pay into line with other pilots in the industry as part of negotiations started two years ago.

The workers handle and move containers, forest products, agribulk, project and bulk cargo from vessels on to land for onward distribution to destination markets across Scotland at the King George V dock in Glasgow and at Greenock Ocean terminal.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham, said: “The Clydeport pilots are rightly angry that the company has refused to bring their pay into line.

“This is a very wealthy company who can easily afford to resolve this dispute, but it is choosing not to in order to boost its already overflowing coffers.”

Peel Port Group, which owns Clydeport cranes and workshops, was contacted for comment.