Alert: Strikes Announced for France and Italy, Update on industrial action at Australian ports

France –  24 hour strike at Le Havre Port October 15, 2021

French dockworker trade unions have called for a 24 hour strike on October 15, 2021.  There will be no container operations (empty pickups or deliveries of loaded).  

Italy – 24 hour General strike on October 11, 2021 

Italian workers have called for a general strike on October 11th, which will involve port terminal operations.  There will be not container pickups or deliveries. 

Australia – Update on Industrial Action / Patrick’s Melbourne Terminal  

87 workers at Patrick’s Melbourne Terminal are undergoing new quarantine measures after an additional worker tested positive. This has reduced the available workforce to about 50%.  Due to the delays from health safety protocols, the trade unions have withdrawn all planned strike action at Patrick’s Melbourne terminal only. 

Strike action for all remaining Patrick’s terminals (Sydney, Brisbane and Fremantle) is still in effect.

Plan for delays for scheduled loads 

Under normal circumstances it typically takes a week to clear backlog from 1 day of strike action.  Since global shipping has been disrupted and major ports have been dealing with supply chain congestion since last summer, expect that this will add to the overall lead times for new bookings and the total transit time for scheduled loads.  With additional delays protecting cargo with reefer equipment or Hillebrand VinLiner insulation is strongly recommended.