Strike in the French ports in March: new mobilizations on the horizon
The unions of the French ports and docks plan to tighten their actions against pension reform with a new series of strikes in March. Between work interruptions and operations « dead port », these mobilisations risk greatly disrupting port activity and the entire supply chain.
The port conflict promises to escalate in March. After about 20 strikes orchestrated by the trade unions since January, the French ports will be the scene of a new series of actions aimed at protesting against the reform of pensions, including the raising of the age of departure and the recognition of exposure to asbestos and the persistence of the harbour trades.
After 48 hours of work stoppage on 26 and 27 February 2025, coupled with a dead port operation on 27 February 2025, here is the schedule of upcoming mobilizations:
- Four-hour work stoppage on 28 February 2025,
- 72-hour strikeon18, 19 and 20 March 2025,
- Dead port operationon18 March 2025,
- Four-hour debraying between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm every 2-3 days4, 6, 10, 12, 14, 24, 26 and 28 March 2025.
A general assembly of trade union organisations is scheduled for 25 March and will set out the next steps. They could further intensify if negotiations with the government are not resumed.
Transport professionals expressed concern about these repeated movements, highlighting the negative consequences for the supply chain and the national economy. For their part, the employers' unions advocate the rapid establishment of a coordination unit bringing together the authorities and all the actors concerned in order to resolve the conflict as quickly as possible.
Faced with this paralysis of the French ports, there are therefore serious disruptions to be foreseen regarding the transport of your goods throughout the month of March, with the key changes of schedule, delays and additional costs.
ACTE International Network