Germany: Port workers in northern Germany to strike July 14-16

Event

Unionized port workers at ports in northern Germany plan to strike from the beginning of the early shift on July 14 through to 06:00 July 16 in a dispute over pay. Based on previous actions, ports likely to be impacted are Bremerhaven, Bremen, Hamburg, Emden, Brake, and Wilhelmshaven.

Unless averted, the strike will likely prompt considerable maritime shipping disruptions at all affected ports. Striking workers will likely stage related demonstrations in city centers in addition to pickets outside ports. Localized ground transport disruptions are likely in the vicinity of any gatherings. Maritime transport disruptions and processing delays could extend for several days after the strike ends as port authorities work to clear backlogs.

Advice

Anticipate disruption if routing freight through affected ports during the strike action; consider alternative shipping methods for critical cargoes. Avoid all demonstrations as a routine precaution and to mitigate possible disruption.