SOCIAL MOVEMENTS FRANCE: IMPACTS ON INTERNATIONAL LOGISTICS

Since the beginning of the movement in January, the strike days have been very well attended by employees in the transport and logistics sector, causing disruptions throughout the supply chain. The movement is getting tougher with new dates of mobilization announced and a new "Dead Ports" day.

DAYS OF MOBILIZATION

The days of demonstrations in January (19, 26 and 31), February (7, 8 and 16) and the recent ones in March (7 and 8) have had repercussions on logistics and the transport of goods.

The National Federation of Ports and Docks intends to continue and intensify the days of action against the pension reform. This is why the FNPD is calling for a 72-hour work stoppage on 14, 15 and 16 March, with a "dead ports" day announced for 16 March and a continuation of the suppression of overtime and exceptional shifts.

IMPACTS ON THE SUPPLY CHAIN

Although the movements affect all French ports, including the major port of Reunion, the port of Le Havre seems to be the most impacted by these strikes:

• Saturation at the TDF terminal: the delays of appointments of carriers for loading or unloading of containers are extended by several days and suspension of empty containers returns
• Terminal entry restrictions: carriers have no choice but to deposit containers in their tank farms, resulting in additional handling and storage costs
• Difficulty or impossibility of access to the surrounding storage and logistics areas
• Port congestion: some ships had to cancel their call at the port of Le Havre

Rail freight has also announced the cancellation of trains during these work stoppages and alternative solutions (i.e. road transport for the most part) may face the problems listed above.

Our teams are doing their best to optimize the organization of your shipments and thus limit the impact of these movements and the additional costs incurred.

We remain at your disposal to accompany you in all your international projects.