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Strike hits cross-Channel ferry | Strike hits cross-Channel ferry |
(about 4 hours later) | |
Striking French ferry workers are causing major disruption at the Port of Dover. | Striking French ferry workers are causing major disruption at the Port of Dover. |
SeaFrance crossings between Dover and Calais have been severely affected after CFDT union members walked out on Friday over new working practices. | SeaFrance crossings between Dover and Calais have been severely affected after CFDT union members walked out on Friday over new working practices. |
Operation Stack has been introduced and the M20 coastbound was shut between junctions 11 at Hythe and 12 at Cheriton at 1030 BST. | Operation Stack has been introduced and the M20 coastbound was shut between junctions 11 at Hythe and 12 at Cheriton at 1030 BST. |
SeaFrance urged passengers to stay away from the Port of Dover. | SeaFrance urged passengers to stay away from the Port of Dover. |
The industrial action is expected to last for 48 hours. | The industrial action is expected to last for 48 hours. |
'Travel virtually impossible' | 'Travel virtually impossible' |
Robin Wilkins, managing director of SeaFrance, said: "This is a very, very short notice strike which has blown up this morning. | Robin Wilkins, managing director of SeaFrance, said: "This is a very, very short notice strike which has blown up this morning. |
"We are very, very sorry for the affect on our passengers but the advice is unless you have a booking with another company then you should not travel today." | "We are very, very sorry for the affect on our passengers but the advice is unless you have a booking with another company then you should not travel today." |
He added: "I think it's a disastrous and very regrettable decision, calculated to have the maximum affect on customers. | He added: "I think it's a disastrous and very regrettable decision, calculated to have the maximum affect on customers. |
The strike is expected to last for 48 hours | |
"Travelling today is virtually impossible, the port is extremely busy. This is one of the busiest times of the year. We were close to being very fully booked. | "Travelling today is virtually impossible, the port is extremely busy. This is one of the busiest times of the year. We were close to being very fully booked. |
"Our competitors are also very fully booked so there really is no option for people to travel today unless they have a booking or can obtain a booking with one of the other companies." | "Our competitors are also very fully booked so there really is no option for people to travel today unless they have a booking or can obtain a booking with one of the other companies." |
Kent Police said it had implemented Operation Stack to ease traffic congestion at the port. | Kent Police said it had implemented Operation Stack to ease traffic congestion at the port. |
A spokesman said: "Delays are likely at the Port of Dover and people are urged to check with their travel operator before setting out." | A spokesman said: "Delays are likely at the Port of Dover and people are urged to check with their travel operator before setting out." |
Have you been affected by the strike? Send us your comments. | Have you been affected by the strike? Send us your comments. |
The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & Conditions | The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & Conditions |