The strike by port labourers has been called by three national unions, in protest over the erosion of index-linked pay rises and tax increases.
Currently the strike is having a major effect on shipping operations in the area with the ports of Zeebrugge, Ghent and Antwerp particularly affected. ISS Belgium has advised that there is a backlog of 65 ships waiting at anchorage to call the Port of Antwerp with a further 12 vessels waiting to depart.
It is anticipated that this current 24 hour strike will be followed by a national general strike on 15th December 2014.
ISS will continue to monitor the strike and will report any updates through their website – www.iss-shipping.com. Customers are invited to contact our Belgian head office for further information at issanrops@iss-shipping.com