Strikes at French ports are set to continue through March 2025, potentially impacting ferry services between the UK and France. Following massive walkouts at the end of February, which disrupted ferry operations between Dover and Calais, workers are mobilizing again to voice concerns over working conditions, insufficient investment, and rising retirement ages stemming from recent pension reforms.
The disruptions affected ferry traffic primarily at major port locations, and similar consequences are expected as workers at various ports engage in organized actions throughout March. The strikes, primarily affecting freight industry employees, could also hinder ferry operations if ports are blockaded.
Numerous French ports will be impacted this month, with key locations including Nantes/Saint-Nazaire, Marseille/Fos, Calais, Le Havre, and Rouen. The protests will extend to ports serving routes to the UK, such as those located in Normandy and Brittany, including the important ferry hubs of Cherbourg and Caen.
The CGT union, alongside the Fédération nationale des ports et docks (FNPD), has announced several four-hour walkouts on specific dates throughout March—specifically on March 4, 6, 10, 12, 14, 24, 26, and 28. These short strikes will consist of reduced work shifts, and union leaders expect substantial support during these actions.
One of the most impactful events is scheduled for March 18, when workers plan to stage a 72-hour strike. This will include a 'port mort' action on March 18, aiming to fully close ports to all traffic for the entire day. Such measures are anticipated to result in significant delays and cancellations for ferry passengers during this period.
According to sources, the February walkout directly influenced ferry services, highlighting the pressing nature of the workers' grievances. "A walkout at the end of February impacted ferry services between Dover and Calais, as workers at the French port walked out en masse over working conditions, a lack of investment in the sector, and rising retirement ages related to the 2023 pension reform," reported HJBC.
Further actions are anticipated, with FNPD representatives holding a general assembly on March 25, where they will assess the situation and discuss the prospect of extending strike actions beyond March and potentially throughout April.
This activism is driven by the federation’s demands for a €10 billion investment aimed at revitalizing French ports and ensuring worker safety at 11 ports flagged for having excessive asbestos levels. "The federation is seeking a promised €10 billion investment to French ports, as well as work to improve safety for workers at 11 ports suspected of having excess asbestos levels," noted HJBC.
Ferry operators are advising passengers to prepare for potential disruptions. Travelers are encouraged to update their contact information, including phone numbers and email addresses, for real-time updates on their scheduled crossings. Operators such as Brittany Ferries and Irish Ferries, as well as DFDS and P&O Ferries, are expected to provide live travel updates via their websites and social media platforms.
Travelers planning to cross the English Channel are advised to remain vigilant about updates surrounding these strike actions, as increased disruptions are likely throughout March. Past experiences indicate the importance of checking status updates frequently, particularly on the days of planned walkouts.
With the situation fluid and negotiations still pending, passengers should stay informed to navigate the upcoming travel challenges posed by these labor disputes. Each planned action reflects the wider unrest among port workers as they seek to address longstanding issues related to employment conditions, safety standards, and necessary funding for port improvements.