Dubai
DP World’s operations at Antwerp Gateway in Belgium will return ” to normal within a few days,” a spokesperson said on Tuesday, after trade unions shut the port the previous day.
Trade unions, protesting against Belgian government changes to employee income, working hours and social services, launched a month of intermittent strikes on Monday by targeting the port of Antwerp.
“The recent industrial action in the Port of Antwerp has affected all businesses within the port including Antwerp Gateway,” the spokesperson said by email.
The trade unions reportedly paralysed the port ensuring no ships could enter or leave the docks.
DP World extended the hours of onshore terminal operations at Europe’s second biggest port ahead of Monday’s trade union action to mitigate the impact on its business.
The Dubai-owned global ports operator plans to again extend its onshore operational hours ahead of the planned December 15 national strike, the spokesperson said.
Monday’s strike in Antwerp was the first of three Monday’s of regional strikes.
DP World does not believe the other strikes, except December 15, will disrupt port operations, the spokesperson said.
