Industrial Action May Impact Le Havre
French port workers have returned to work after two nationwide stoppages on October 30 and November 5 and the union has not announced any further strike dates.
Le Havre’s terminals are now very busy as truckers rush to collect containers held up during the walkouts. A new disruption followed on November 6, when tug and mooring crews held a 24-hour strike across French ports. Their unions are opposing a European Commission challenge to the rule that French harbor towage must operate under the French flag. With no tugs working, ship arrivals and departures at Le Havre stopped for the day.
The strikes made an existing problem worse. On October 13, the TN MSC terminal, one of Le Havre’s two main container terminals, experienced an IT issue and closed to trucks for several days. It reopened on October 20 but is still working without its online booking system, which truckers normally need to collect or return a container.
Further disruption is also possible: the CGT’s transport federation has announced action for November 16 to 20 that could affect trucks moving containers to and from the ports. The effects may impact household goods shipments arriving at Le Havre, taking longer to clear and deliver. Export containers risk missing their vessels, and shipments may be moved to later sailings.
To date, Neer Service has not experienced any major delays but will keep partners advised of developments.
Upcoming Public Holidays
November 11, 2026 – Armistice Day
Our offices will be closed in recognition of the day the Armistice was signed in a restaurant car in the Oise region of France on November 11, 1918. In 1920, the remains of an unknown soldier were placed under the Arc de Triomphe, in tribute to all the soldiers who went missing in the First World War and the day became a national holiday in France in 1922.
Every evening at 6:30 PM, veterans, members of the armed forces and citizens gather for a solemn ceremony to rekindle the Eternal Flame, keeping alive the memory of those who gave their lives for their country.
