Anticipated strike action at the Port of Antwerp has been planned ahead of next week's country-wide Belgian protests against austerity measures.

This will be the second time in a matter of weeks that one of Europe's leading ports could be affected by widespread industrial action.

Although it is difficult at this time to gauge the extent the action, several trade unions in the country are organizing a grand finale to several one-off days of strikes during November and December which saw public transport systems grind to a halt.

However, port authorities have told www.freshfruitportal.com they are well-prepared for any predicted action and have informed all the leading shipping lines so alternative arrangements can be made.

Port of Antwerp press officer Annik Dirkx says it will be business as usual next Monday (Dec. 15).

"We will do as we did on November 24^th. We will inform our clients and we will keep working. Don't forget that it is not a general strike, it is a national strike but everybody is free to participate or to go to work," she told us.

During the Nov. 24 action, the port was paralyzed for large parts of the day with some delays for cargo ships. In total 55 ships were delayed either coming in or out of the port.

"The situation normalized the day after the strike. In just 12 hours after the strike, all ships that were waiting in the port already left the port.

"By the end of the following day all ships with a delay caused by the strike either left or were able to enter the port. All kinds of ships were affected. We managed to handle some barges during the course of the day, but overall there were severe delays for some kinds of ships."

Dirkx goes on to explain that since the strike action was announced, many companies have informed clients not to use the port on specific dates.

Buses, trams, trains and international rail services, including the Eurostar service from Brussels to London, were disrupted by strike action yesterday and delays and cancellations were caused at Brussels International Airport.

Belgian workers are protesting against government policy to cut employees' pay, delay pensions and tighten up social services.

Photo: AlfvanBeem, via Wikimedia Creative Commons

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