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Fresh strike action hits MyFerryLink

Fresh strike action hit MyFerryLink services between Dover and Calais today.

All services were cancelled until further notice just days before the Eurotunnel-owned company ceases operations on July 2 ahead of its transfer to DFDS Seaways.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: “Due to industrial action there is disruption to MyFerryLink sailings on June 29.

“If you’re crossing the Channel from Dover/Folkstone to the Port of Calais check online with your chosen operator and plan your journey to avoid disruption.

“The government is working closely with the French authorities and industry to minimise the impact of any disruption.”

MyFerryLink said all bookings for travel after July 2 would be refunded as operations are being ceased “due to circumstances outside the control of MyFerryLink”.

DFDS has pledged to save 202 jobs from the former SeaFrance ferry operation run by French workers co-operative SCOP and continue to run the vessels Rodin and Berlioz alongside an existing ferry on the Dover-Calais route.

Striking MyFerryLink workers in Calais brought chaos to channel crossings a week ago.

DFDS chief executive, Niels Smedegaard, said last week: “Given the overcapacity in the market, DFDS had originally planned to operate two ships on the route in order to adapt the capacity to the market situation.

“However, following our dialogue with various stakeholders, we have decided to make an offer for part of SCOP Seafrance, and thus attempt to save more than 200 jobs by operating three ships instead.

“DFDS has been in the French ferry market for 15 years, and in recent years with ships under the French flag and with French crews.

“We are very pleased with the loyalty, skills and commitment of our crews, including the many former employees of SeaFrance, and we are committed to continue developing a sustainable and long-term business in France that can benefit all of our employees, customers, and partners in the Calais region.” 



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