Nationwide industrial action against government austerity plans is expected to heavily disrupt logistics operations across Belgium and France over the coming week.

Belgium has just witnessed a three-day general strike that began on Monday, 24th November. The country’s main trade unions initiated the walkout after weeks of demonstrations opposing proposed federal budget cuts.

Transport activity has been impacted. Road, air and ocean freight have all experienced significant delays. Several airports reported no departures, many ferry terminals were closed, and roughly 100 vessels are waiting for clearance at major short-sea and deep-sea ports.

Although the strike is officially over, the resulting congestion and service delays are likely to continue for several days as logistics networks work to restore normal operations.

Meanwhile in France, unions have called a nationwide strike for Tuesday, 2nd December. The action is expected to span multiple industries, with rail freight in particular facing the prospect of substantial disruption.

The mobilisation is part of a wider pushback against austerity proposals under consideration in the National Assembly, as labour groups aim to influence the direction of the legislation.

For now, it is uncertain how extensively French ports and ferry services will be affected on Tuesday. The MultiFreight team is closely monitoring the situation.