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Shepway Liberal DemocratsWorking for Folkestone, Hythe, Romney Marsh and Elham Valley |
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BREAKING NEWS: Drafted ex-Gurkhas withdraw from Dover in support of Port workers
November 6, 2008 2:03 PM
Dhan Gurung: the Nepalese community in East Kent are proud of our home, proud of the fantastic support we have seen for our right to stay in this country from local people, and proud to play our full part in the wider community.
Six ex-Gurkha soldiers being trained by Dover Harbour Board to moor ships in case of an industrial dispute at the port have withdrawn from the port following a personal intervention from Lib Dem ex-Gurkha Councillor Dhan Gurung.
The former Gurkha soldiers were drafted in by Dover Harbour Board to moor ships in the event of industrial action, with union members currently being balloted over Harbour Board plans to transfer around 200 workers to the private sector.
Councillor Gurung has today spoken to union leaders and the ex-Gurkhas themselves, and discussed the situation with them directly.
The six ex-Gurkhas who had been trained were not aware of the reasons behind the industrial action, and have left the port and have agreed not return to cover strike action.
Dhan Gurung, a Councillor for Cheriton on Folkestone Town Council, said:
"When I spoke to the men directly this morning, they were unaware of the problems surrounding the port. Despite the very difficult circumstances they are in, they are very grateful for the support that the British people are giving the Gurkha cause, and in no way want to do anything that harms those who have supported them so strongly.
"Having spoken to them, they now understand the issues, and have agreed not to work at the port under these circumstances. I thank them for doing so: the Nepalese community in East Kent are proud of our home, proud of the fantastic support we have seen for our right to stay in this country from local people, and proud to play our full part in the wider community."
Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesman for Folkestone and Hythe, Neil Matthews, has been in contact with Dover Harbour Board this morning and strongly welcomed the move. Neil said:
"I'm delighted that Dhan has helped to resolve this situation. Like many other people locally, these men are looking for work, and were unaware of the issues when they agreed to work there. To agree to withdraw now is a credit to them and the solidarity of feeling they have with our local communities.
"I wish them all the best in finding another job soon - such community minded people would be a credit to any workplace."
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