Lashers at the Port of Rotterdam have commenced a 48-hour strike, halting container operations as they advocate for increased wages. This work stoppage began at 3:15 p.m. local time on October 8 and will last until Friday afternoon, significantly disrupting cargo loading and unloading at Europe’s busiest container port.
The FNV labor union has confirmed participation from workers at International Lashing Services and Matrans Marine Services, the companies responsible for lashing operations at the port. FNV spokesman Niek Stam emphasized the crucial role that lashers play in ensuring the security of cargo, stating, “Without lashers the whole port grinds to a halt.”
Although the Rotterdam port authority acknowledged the strike’s impact on traffic, it was deemed too early to estimate the complete extent of the disruptions. Maersk reported the strike affects all major terminals in the port, including APM Terminals Maasvlakte II and ECT Delta, among others. The labor dispute primarily concerns working conditions and compensation for lashing personnel, impacting vessel operations despite the continued functionality of terminal infrastructure.
In a related development, Flemish harbor pilots in Belgium have also initiated industrial action, severely disrupting marine traffic at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. This four-day protest against federal pension reforms has drastically reduced vessel processing, with only 31 ships handled on Tuesday, down from the usual 60-80, causing significant delays and diversions.
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