Strikes by Sheerness dockworkers will affect the supply of new 2022-plate Volkswagen Group vehicles next year, a union claims.

Unite members who prepare cars and vans for distribution have voted for strike action in a dispute over job cuts and minimum overtime hours with GB Terminals.

They say the changes will affect more than 50 staff who work on Audi, Porsche and Skoda models which arrive in Britain on huge car transporter ferries via the Kent port.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said today (Wednesday): “GB Terminals is trying to maximise profits by targeting its hard-working staff. GB Terminals should understand that we will defend our striking Sheerness members’ jobs, pay and conditions to the hilt.”

The workers plan to hold four 24-hour strikes in January, 21 days of strike action in February and 20 days of strike action in March.

The union says the strikes will impact the supply of new 2022-plate VW Group vehicles being imported into the UK.

Unite regional officer Phil Silkstone said: “Our members are rock solid in their determination to prevent GB Terminals forcing through these unscrupulous changes. The strikes will undoubtedly impact the supply of 2022-plate VW vehicles into the country.

“The VW Sheerness docks contract is up for renewal and we know the other companies involved in the bidding process are not proposing such cuts. There are two ways for VW to avoid any disruption - either by pressuring GB Terminals to drop its plans or for it to award the contract to another bidder.”

He said if GB Terminals’ contract with Volkswagen is not renewed, employees would transfer to a new company under Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment (Tupe) with all terms and conditions protected.

GB Terminals has been asked for a comment.