European distributors braced for French truck strike

07 January 2000 17:00  [Source: ICIS news]

LONDON (CNI)--European chemicals distributors were on Friday preparing contingency plans to help mitigate the effects of an indefinite strike by French truck drivers planned to begin at 08:00 local time (09:00 GMT) on Monday (10 January).

The strike, in protest over working hours and the cost of diesel fuel, could involve serious disruption to freight movements. French truck drivers are threatening to blockade key Channel ports and border crossings in pursuit of their aims.

Although the full impact is difficult to predict, the last serious national strike by French truck drivers, which ran from 2 to 7 November 1997, saw some 150 barricades erected at major ports, border crossings and key motorway intersections.

Chemicals distributors contacted by CNI said they feared similar tactics might be adopted next week, with key cross-Channel freight ports such as Calais and Boulogne likely to be picketed by striking drivers.

However, some freight ferry services are likely to be diverted from Calais to Zeebrugge in Belgium if the dispute is prolonged and does result in major disruption to road freight movements.

A spokesman for the French chemical distributors association told CNI that its members were making contingency plans for the dispute but lacked detailed information on the strike's likely duration and impact. The spokesman said that few drivers directly employed by chemical distribution companies were expected to participate directly in the strike. However, they could be affected by any major traffic blockages or port blockades.

A spokesman for the UK Freight Transport Association, which represents UK road hauliers, told CNI that the exact effect on the movement of goods into and out of France would depend on the level of support for the strike. However, he expected it would have a significant impact on the movement of goods through France from Britain and other neighbouring countries.

The issue of drivers' working hours has roots extending beyond France's introduction from this month of the 35-hour working week. But the French government's new social policy is causing widespread industrial problems and was the initial cause of a strike at the acetic acid plant operated by Acetex at Pardies near Biarritz.

By: Neil Sinclair
+44 20 8652 3214

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