After port workers went on strike on Wednesday at Saint Nazaire to protest changes in reforms to workers conditions including privatisation, the country was hit by widespread industrial action as other ports came out in sympathy in a 24 hour stoppage called by the national port union, part of the Confédération Générale du Travail (CGT) public sector federation. The original dispute surrounded the MSC Magnifica, a cruise ship which was being held in St Nazaire as part of the protest by workers to obtain compensation from the Government and freight handling and shipping movements were suspended around the coast. … Shipping companies such as the French container giant CMA CGM have been pressuring the authorities for reform of the industry as they struggle to return to profit.

From the Handy Shipping Guide, February 27, 2010