French strike will hit ports and airports

The Freight Transport Association has warned that the general strike in France on 12th September will disrupt activity at ports and airports.

The strike has been called in protest at plans for labour market reforms by president Macron. France currently has an unemployment rate of 9.5 per cent – double that of comparable European economies and Macron believes this can be reduced by increasing labour market flexibility.

However, France’s far left, led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon is fighting the changes. A second day of action is planned for 23rd September.

James Hookham, the FTA’s deputy chief executive, said: “This so-called day of action, and the proposed follow up two weeks later, could shut down vital manufacturing and retail links for UK business at a time when the country’s economy needs to maintain buoyancy and confidence. On behalf of the FTA’s 16,000 members, I urge President Macron to seek a solution, to ensure that trade can continue to flow freely across the Channel.”

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