French Strikes & Logistics Disruption
Strikes and demonstrations, against pension reforms that move the retirement age from 62 to 64, are continuing in France, with the next action expected for Friday 28th April.
The country celebrates its annual Labour Day public holiday on Monday, 1st May, which is a traditional day for labour union actions. However, walkouts have been called for from Friday, along with calls for demonstrations on both Friday and the holiday day itself.
The bitter dispute started when President Macron decided to push through the change without a parliamentary vote late last year, resulting in regular strike action during 2023. During the last action, on Thursday 20th April, the number of protestors is believed to have reduced, but inevitably there was some disruption to transport.
Flights, trains, ferries, ports and roads have all been affected in varying degrees by the ongoing disruption. France is geographically the major gateway for logistics between the UK and Europe and as much as supply chains have learned to live with the disruption, some short delays on shipments moving during this weekend may be incurred.
We will of course be monitoring the situation closely. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our customer service team for further information.
