Docker protests hit Finnlines

Baltic operator Finnlines expects to lose money as a result of actions by German dockers protesting about port privatisation. In a statement Finnlines says that, since 24 May, operations at the terminals of Lübecker Hafengesellschaft at Lübeck have been suffering from actions of the dock workers' union. It says: “The reason is the union's protest against the planned privatisation of Lübecker Hafengesellschaft. As a consequence of this protest, all overtime work has been stopped. On Friday 15 June, 2007, there was a total strike for 24 hours. Further union actions are to be expected.”

The company adds: “The port of Lübeck/Travemünde is the most important port in Finnlines traffic, as it is the other end of our ropax routes from Helsinki, Malmö (NordöLink) and St. Petersburg (TransRussiaExpress). These disturbances, which are beyond Finnlines control, may affect Finnlines operating profit negatively.”