by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor
(AI-Translation): Français
On 30 and 31 January, French ports witnessed a 48-hour stoppage, leading to significant disruptions. Dockworkers renewed their work stoppages this month with strikes planned throughout February.
The Four-hour stoppages are planned between 10:00 and 16:00 local time on the following days:
- Thursday 6 February
- Monday 10 February
- Wednesday 12 February
- Friday 14 February
- Tuesday 18 February
- Thursday 20 February
- Monday 24 February
In addition, ports will witness a 48-hour strike on 26 and 28 February. Kuehne+Nagel reports that the disruption will impact container ports nationwide.
Recently, the French transport and logistics companies union TLF raised concerns about the critical situation, which started with a series of labour actions in 2024.
The union believes the disruption has caused widespread economic repercussions for carriers and the national economy.
The TLF Union conducted a flash study, revealing a decline in port activity, increased operational costs, a drop in turnover by 21% in January, and an anticipated loss of 25% in February 2025.
The macroeconomic analysis highlights a threat to national competitiveness. According to the union, each day of total blockage generates a loss of 40 million euros.
Furthermore, the union highlighted that over 40% of containers destined for France are now transiting through competing European ports such as Antwerp, Rotterdam and Genoa. This, in turn, jeopardizes jobs at ports, says TLF.
