Strikes, Strikes, Strikes

South Africa: After rejecting a revised pay proposal, the labor unions in South Africa continue to strike across ports and transport hubs. This disruption of rail and port services is creating huge issues for the country’s key export commodities and putting the economy in a difficult position. Negotiations are continuing with the two parties hoping to reach a satisfactory agreement, but there is no definite answer as to when the strike activity will cease. 

UK: The port of Liverpool has just announced that they will engage in a third round of strikes – this time from Oct. 24 to Nov. 7^th. As was the case with the previous two walkouts, the labor unions are disputing wage levels. Felixstowe has also experienced ongoing strike conditions, and we are working diligently to try to reroute cargo and divert shipments so as to mitigate any delays that may occur.

France: Labor unions in France are also now reporting strike activity after negotiations regarding increased wages failed yesterday. Several fuel depots have been blocked, resulting in fuel shortages and disruptions across several regions of the country. The trade union says it plans to increase strike activity to other sectors beginning next Tuesday, including a strike at Fos Sur Mer port. We will continue to keep you updated on this as news becomes available.

USA: Labor negotiations continue with both rail unions and ILWU longshoremen. The rail labor unions have failed to come to a unanimous vote on Biden’s proposed labor agreement, which is essential for avoiding strike action. As it stands, the unions are in a “status quo” period which prohibits them from striking until Nov. 19^th. ILWU negotiations also continue talks, although no contracts have been signed as of yet. With minimal port disruption, the situation could be much worse, but, on the other hand, very little progress has been publicized about the status of the negotiations.

We are continuing to keep tabs on the strike activity occurring throughout the globe, and we will provide updates as the situations develop.