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French strikes cause further ferry disruption

French strikes cause further ferry disruption

Tuesday 04 April 2023

French strikes cause further ferry disruption

Tuesday 04 April 2023


Travel chaos is continuing for islanders in the run-up to Easter Weekend, with Thursday's ferry service between Jersey and Saint Malo cancelled due to ongoing strike action in France.

Large parts of the country have been brought to a standstill by industrial action and violent protests sparked by President Emmanuel Macron’s controversial pension reforms.

Much of the country's transport system remains paralysed, with major roads blocked and rail, ferry and air services all badly affected.

French unions, including those representing port authority staff, have now announced a new wave of strikes on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday – which is Good Friday. To cause maximum disruption and confusion to those hoping to get away for the Easter Weekend, the strikes are between 11:00 and 15:00 on Wednesday and Friday, whereas the action on Thursday is for 24 hours.

A spokesperson from Condor Ferries said: "We have had no choice but to regrettably cancel this Thursday's services to and from Saint Malo.

"In order to accommodate passengers travelling to and from Jersey and Guernsey, we have automatically moved passengers to sailings tomorrow and on Friday.

"Tomorrow's will now be routed via Guernsey to Saint Malo."

23_03_08_Condor_Ferries_new_ropax_vessel.jpg

Pictured: Thursday's Condor service to Saint Malo has been cancelled.

The spokesperson added: "Should the above change of timing for Jersey passenger be inconvenient, they can switch to Saint Malo sailings on Friday 7 April. We regret any inconvenience this causes but these are clearly circumstances outside of our control."

The revised schedule is as follows: Wednesday 5 April, Saint Malo-Jersey-Guernsey-Saint Malo.

This replaces the original operating pattern for Thursday 6 April, which was Saint Malo-Jersey-Saint Malo-Saint Malo-Jersey-Saint Malo.

Earlier this month, Condor issued a notice that they were aware of ongoing strike action which "may continue to affect our sailings between the islands and Saint Malo."

The UK Foreign Office also urged those travelling to France to "monitor the media, check the latest advice with operators before travelling, avoid demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities."

An Islander who remains in France has again encouraged travellers to fill their vehicles up with fuel before boarding the ferry, saying that blockades of petrol depots and refineries in northern France were causing shortages and queues.

Industrial strike action at Heathrow Airport is also currently affecting air services between Jersey and the UK.

Any Islanders wishing to transfer, discuss other options or cancel their booking with Condor can visit the company's website or call 0345 609 1026.

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