Lorry drivers and transport workers in France begin indefinite strike
French trade unions FO Transports and SUD Solidaires transports routiers, who represent transport workers including lorry drivers, announced an indefinite strike that begun last night at 10pm. The industrial action will also grow tomorrow, when members of other road transport unions, namely GT Transports, CFDT Route, CFTC Transports, and SNATT CFE-CGC, start a 48-hour strike.
French trade unions FO Transports and SUD Solidaires transports routiers, who represent transport workers including lorry drivers, announced an indefinite strike that begun last night at 10pm. The industrial action will also grow tomorrow, when members of other road transport unions, namely GT Transports, CFDT Route, CFTC Transports, and SNATT CFE-CGC, start a 48-hour strike.
Besides downing tools, lorry drivers are expected to cause traffic disruption by driving very slowly and blocking industrial zones. There will also be severe disruption to passenger transport – including ferry crossings.
Carrefour des vaches à Saint Étienne du Rouvray … on lâche rien #teamunsa76 #unsa76 #unsa #rouen #ReformeDesRetraites pic.twitter.com/nRnU9s9B2k
— UD UNSA 76 (@UNSA76) March 6, 2023
Transport Minister Clément Beaune has reportedly issued warnings of major difficulties coming to the countries roads when the strike widens in scope on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The main aim of the strikes is to end plans by the French Government to raise the country’s retirement age to 64.
Blocage des routiers au CRT de Lesquin depuis 4h30, zone stratégique des transports à proximité de l’autoroute A1 #Blocage7mars #greve7mars #NonALaReformeDesRetraites pic.twitter.com/0kaaGe8nCS
— Anonyme Citoyen (@AnonymeCitoyen) March 6, 2023
One of the unions has SNATT CFE-CGC, has also created a map of all the actions to be conducted during the 48-hour industrial action period.
To add to the problems, refinery workers have also been called to participate in a 72-hour strike. Therefore, the Spanish haulage organization CETM has recommended that hauliers and drivers fill up with fuel before entering French territory in order to avoid issues on the route.
