Dockworkers and port employees at Le Havre, France's largest container port, have begun a series of intermittent strikes in opposition to proposed state pension reforms.

Both four-hour and full-day work stoppages throughout this month are part of the strike action. The disruptions are expected to severely impact container traffic via rail and sea, leading to port congestion, specifically affecting Le Havre and Marseille but potentially extending to other French ports.

The dispute centers on the government's plan to raise the statutory retirement age, a proposal that has been met with significant resistance from labour unions.

Strike Schedule going forward:

• 4-hour stoppages: Feb 14, 18, 20, 24
• 24-hour stoppages: Feb 26, 27 (Port operations suspended, no access to the port logistics area), 28

As a result, delays, cancelled port appointments, potential vessel rerouting, and increased costs for shippers, including demurrage, detention, and storage charges can be expected. Previous industrial action caused delays of up to a week in securing bookings, in addition to increased costs due to goods being stuck at the terminals and having to reroute logistics to alternate European ports.

The majority of road freight operations remains currently unaffected. However, Woodland Group is closely monitoring the developments, and will work to provide solutions to customers as the situation evolves.

For questions on your supply chain planning, please contact your local Woodland representative or a member of the team here.