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Workers around France have been on strike since as early as May 25th, with a large number of those strikes happening at the Port of Marseille.

Strikers at Marseille port resume work

Port workers at the Marseille have resumed their normal work as of June 21st. The strikes were mainly taking place at the oils terminals of Fos and Lavera. These terminals are responsible for supplying to companies such as Exxonmobil, Total, and Petroineos.

Throughout the month long protests, strikers were blocking access to many of the major terminals around the port, causing ships to queue in order to get service in Marseille. Most of the queuing ships are chemical tankers, as the strikes were taking place at oil refineries at the port as well.

Strikers were also blocking access roads to many of the storage areas at the port, especially those around the blocked terminals. These storage areas contained supplies of oil and bunker fuels.

Effects of the strike

Closures at the port caused shortages for all of the energy companies involved, although those supplied by Lavera terminal are said to be running at a lower rate than usual.

Because of the shortages caused by strikers, the French government was forced to release some of the strategic oil reserve to compensate for lower production from major companies.

Many of those striking were doing so out of solidarity for the port and oil workers who originally began the strikes. Because of this, more industries in France felt the effect of the extended striking.

Possibility of continued striking

As of now, the port of Marseille is open and operating at normal capacity. However, it's considered likely that striking workers will cause disruptions in the port again on 23rd and 28th June, with other future dates possible as well. The French workers' union CGT has called for a 24-hour halt in operations on these days.

Crude oil is being received again by plants around southern France, but it is highly likely that strikers will protest again at a later time if the proposed amendments to French labour laws do not get passed.