French Dockworkers Suspend Strike to Ease Tensions Over Retirement Reform

French dockworkers unions have decided to suspend their “dead port” strike planned for March 18 in an effort to ease tensions with the government. The unions have been engaged in a rolling series of strikes since January over reforms to France’s retirement policies. The government, led by President Emmanuel Macron, implemented controversial reforms in 2023, including raising the retirement age from 62 to 64. Dockworkers are demanding exemptions from these changes, citing the physically demanding nature of their profession.

The Federation National des Ports et Docks had scheduled a strike for March 18 that would have halted all activities at the ports of Le Havre and Rouen, potentially affecting cross-channel ferry operations to England. Previous strikes ranged from four-hour stoppages to multi-day strikes, with a significant disruption on February 27 when most cross-channel ferry services were halted. The unions had planned to escalate their actions in March, with a 72-hour strike scheduled for tomorrow.

Following a meeting with government representatives, the unions reported a more receptive attitude from the government, which had previously been accused of not honoring commitments and delaying talks until 2027. While efforts are being made to ease tensions, the unions have scheduled a general meeting for March 25 to review progress. If the government fails to respect its commitments, the unions may initiate new industrial actions in April.

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