On its part, KPA has offered a 20 per cent salary increase. Recently, KPA and the union locked horns over the introduction of a seven-day work schedule that would make Saturday and Sunday working days.
This was, however, suspended following confusion at the port.
Sang said the union had issued a 21-day notice to their employer in accordance with the Trade Relations Act.
"We have exhausted avenues for negotiations and sought the intervention of the Ministry of Labour," he said.
He says the difference between the lowest paid management staff and a union member ranged from 112 to 147 per cent, adding that this was against labour laws.