by Priya Radünzel, SeaNewsEditor
Update: 06.09.2024
In the aftermath of this week's warning strikes, rail companies have reported delays to cargo of more than 24 hours at the Port of Hamburg
In its latest advisory, intermodal operator Metrans advised that the port is not accepting any trains this morning, 6 September.
Another rail operator, ERS Railways, reported that the infrastructure in the northern regional area is massively overloaded, which it says is exacerbated by dispatching the inflow to Hamburg.
"Delays in loading and departures and partial cancellations for rail cargo are to be expected", said the company.
In addition, truck slots are only available for late afternoons and evenings today.
Port workers represented by trade union ver.di have rejected the latest wage proposal by the Central Association of German Seaport Operators (ZDS), which sparked the warning strikes last week.
However, this week's strikes were related to the Hamburg Parliament's approval of the MSC deal to acquire half of port operator HHLA.
The trade union has opposed the acquisition, citing a lack of control and loss of jobs.
The deal will need final approval from the EU Commission.
Considering that no date has yet been set for further negotiations, strikes related to both the wage negotiations and the MSC deal are possible.
Original article: 04.09.2024
Labour union ver.di has called for another round of warning strikes, starting with the first shift on Wednesday, 4 September, at 07:00 and ending with the night shift on 5 September, at 07:00 local time.
According to an advisory from EUROGATE, no handling, including rail and truck movements, will occur at all HHLA terminals during the strike.
It also expects dispatching to not start immediately after the end of the strike.
As a result, significant cargo and cargo operations delays are expected during and after the strike.
Furthermore, demonstrations taking place outside could limit access to the port today.
This morning's strike follows a previous one held last Friday, which concerned HHLA's ongoing efforts to enhance terminal efficiency.
In a statement released by the labour union, ver.di said it is seeking a social collective agreement to protect employees from the social and health consequences of the planned restructuring of the Group.
