The Belgian trade union held a strike, affecting all modes of transportation, and the port of Antwerp was suspended

Time:2022-11-10 Publisher:Kevin Num:3616

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With the frequent strikes in Britain, Antwerp, Belgium's largest port, also fell into a strike crisis. The port workers began to strike at Antwerp Port at local time.


Inchcape Shipping Services pointed out that Belgian trade unions are holding strikes, while socialist trade unions are also calling a general strike, and Christian and free trade unions will launch strikes.


A series of strike crises may lead to stoppages and restrictions in most of Belgium's public life.


Like the strike in Liverpool Port, the reason for this strike is still that the existing wages of workers cannot offset the high inflation and energy costs.


It is understood that Belgium's natural gas and electricity prices have risen five or six times more than normal. Many enterprises went bankrupt because of the high cost.


STIB-MIVB, a public transport operator in Brussels, said that transportation was expected to be interrupted due to the strike of some workers. 


They advised passengers to take all necessary precautions and try to find alternative means of transport in Brussels on Wednesday.


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Maersk recently told its customers that during the one-day strike, Antwerp Port will be closed for operation, and before the end of the strike, inland delivery or picking up will not be possible.


Although the strike lasts only one day, Antwerp Port is expected to face the challenge of delay and stoppage, because pilots, tugs and other port personnel are expected to participate in the strike action.


In addition to the disruption of the terminal, the strike may also affect other traffic, such as the train may be interrupted and the airport may be limited. Brussels Airport in Belgium announced that it had cancelled or rescheduled 40% of flights booked on Wednesday.


It is reported that this is the fourth time that Belgian trade unions have held strikes and demonstrations this year, demanding higher wages. The strike will have a huge impact on all kinds of sea, land and air transportation.


GLA hereby reminds the freight forwarders to keep abreast of the local port conditions before shipment to avoid unnecessary losses caused by the strike.