Latest news strike Rotterdam port

8 October 2025

Update dated 17 October 2025: Agreement in principle for stevedores

On Friday 17 October, the FNV trade union, stevedoring companies ILS & Matrans and the terminal operators reached an agreement in principle on a new collective labour agreement. They agreed that wages will increase and that working conditions will improve.

This means that work has now resumed in full.

The strike has caused significant delays, both in the unloading and loading of container ships and in terminal handling. These delays are expected to continue until at least the end of October. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding.

Update dated 13 October 2025: Strike by stevedores suspended for four days

As of Monday morning, 13 October, the strike has been suspended for four days.

The strike, which followed the breakdown of collective bargaining negotiations between stevedores and terminal operators, has thus been called off until Friday, 17 October.

Whether work will resume as usual after this depends on how the negotiations proceed in the coming days.

If the parties cannot reach an agreement, a new strike is likely to take place this Friday and the parties will be invited to appear in court.

Original message dated 13 October 2025

From Wednesday October 8th, 3:15 p.m. work in the port of Rotterdam will be suspended for at least 48 hours.

Lashing companies ILS & Matrans Marine Services have just confirmed that approximately 700 employees will be downing tools today.

The strike is the result of failed collective bargaining negotiations between the lashing companies and the terminal operators. The port companies are refusing to meet the demands for wage increases and inflation adjustments.

Without stevedores, who ensure that cargo is properly secured and unloaded, ships cannot depart or unload.

Due to the stormy weekend, the port is full of container ships. The announced strike therefore has consequences for everyone who imports or exports cargo.

We will share any further news with you as soon as it becomes available.