A strike for more pay by dock workers in the port of Rotterdam has been called off temporarily following legal action.

The strike focuses on two companies which provide lashing services to freight companies. Lashing involves securing containers to the deck of a vessel and can only be done by trained dock workers.

Workers at ILS and Matrans had downed tools on Wednesday following the breakdown of pay talks. On Friday, judges ruled that they must go back to work to clear the backlog of work.

The union demands include a raise of 6.5%. “An honest wage is not too much to ask for people who are out in all weathers making sure ships can sail,” FNV official Niek Stam said

If no agreement is reached, the strike can be resumed on Friday, the court said.

Some 25 cargo ships are waiting off the coast of Rotterdam for the strike to end.