Due to the dockers’ strike and an overlay of other problems, the Port of Hamburg halted the receipt of goods trains for 24 hours on Thursday. Delays at the Hamburg terminals now amount to more than 24 hours and negotiations between employers and trade unionists are still ongoing.
Will strikes become more frequent?
The carrier expects that customers will have to get used to such delays. Metrans points out that the main rail lines do not have sufficient capacity. These circumstances force the carriers to raise prices. Employees of the Port of Hamburg are also demanding social guarantees in the upcoming change of ownership of the port.
Who is organising the strikes?
The strikes in Hamburg are organised by the trade union Ver.di, which is trying to negotiate the best working conditions with the association of terminal operators ZDS. Parallel to the port strikes, there was a demonstration in the centre of Hamburg. The main reason for the strike is the planned sale of a 49% stake in HHLA, Hamburg’s largest terminal operator, to the MSC group. The union members want to conclude a collective agreement before the planned transaction in order to secure their jobs.
Disruption in logistics chains
Problems at the port and congestion on the railway infrastructure negatively affect hauliers causing a significant increase in transport costs. In recent weeks, protests by seaport workers have been a direct cause of disruption to freight transport in various parts of the world. Dockworkers have gone on strike in the USA, India and Australia, among others.
