The Port Authority of Rotterdam welcomed the start of negotiations between the dockworkers and FNV Havens, which made it possible to end the strike that was affecting the terminal, which will return to normal operation in the coming days.
“This positive outcome is important primarily for the dockworkers, but also, undoubtedly, for consumers, businesses, and public establishments, which rely on a properly functioning logistics system. Continuing the strike would have had a disproportionate impact on the logistics system and on society as a whole,” the Authority specified.
In this vein, it pointed out that they are working to deal with the delays left by the stoppage which lasted for a week, which is why they asked the Justice system to set a limit for the dockworkers’ strike, in addition to establishing the resumption of negotiations between the involved parties. If an agreement is not reached, the strike can restart on Sunday, October 26.
“The chosen solution is not the ideal one, but in this way, the port can be temporarily reopened and the Netherlands can be resupplied. This will help alleviate some of the order backlog and allow for the management of container ships for four days,” the Port Authority noted.
“We above all hope that the parties reach an agreement at the negotiating table and we call on them to engage in dialogue and to jointly seek a solution that does justice to the interests of all those involved,” the body stated.
