France: Nationwide ports blockade continues January 16

Event

Several ports remain affected as of Thursday, January 16, due to an ongoing blockade initiated by the CGT labor union on Tuesday, January 14, to protest the government's proposed universal pension reform. Calais, Dunkirk, Le Havre, Rouen, Nantes-Saint-Nazaire, La Rochelle, and Marseille, are among the affected ports. In Dunkirk and Calais, some ferries are running but residual disruptions are to be anticipated over the coming hours and days. Transfers from Marseille to Corsica will be suspended through Friday, January 17, while operations in Calais remain entirely obstructed. Operations at the Brassens terminal in Bordeaux are expected to resume on Thursday.

A heightened security presence and transportation disruptions are to be expected near all blockage sites.

Context

Thousands have protested across France in December 2019 to voice their opposition to the planned pension reform scheme. Subsequent ongoing nationwide strikes have caused significant disruptions to all forms of transportation. Strikes may continue for an indefinite period if the government does not abandon its proposed pension reform plan.

Advice

Individuals are advised to confirm ferry reservations and avoid all protests as a precaution.