Strikes Worsen Shipping Congestion at Europe’s Two Biggest Ports

Industrial actions at the Port of Rotterdam and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, a few days after strong storms, are causing significant delivery delays at Europe’s logistics hubs.

Lashers, the workers responsible for unloading and securing containers on ships and at quays, started a 48-hour strike at the Port of Rotterdam, Europe’s largest, on Wednesday afternoon. The strike primarily affects work at the port’s container terminals.

Members of the FNV union at International Lashing Service and Matrans Marine Services are demanding an additional 7% wage increase. “Without lashers, the entire port is at a standstill,” said FNV board member ...