A DISPUTE over where tug workers should be registered to work is likely to spill over into a strike ballot.

The Transport and General Workers Union said today that more than 300 workers at Adsteam wanted their employment status to be brought back 'on-shore' and accused the company of "trousering" the savings on National Insurance made by registering the tug workers in Guernsey for the last three years.

Adsteam operate a fleet of tugs throughout North Kent and help vessels which get into difficulties.

Richard Crease, the T&G chair of the Adsteam national shop stewards committee, said the proposed takeover of Australian owned Adsteam, who have offices in Royal Pier Road, Gravesend, by Maersk subsidiary Svitzer had brought the dispute into focus.

"We have never felt happy with Adsteam moving our employment registration 'off-shore' and believe the time is right to restore us to the mainland," he said.

"Adsteam seem adamant that it is not their responsibility and prefer to pass the buck to Svitzer. We don't agree and that's why we have a dispute which is now likely to go to a strike ballot."