Logistics plays a crucial role in international exportation. It encompasses the management of various processes involved in the movement of goods from the manufacturer to the end customer. Effective logistics planning and execution ensure that goods reach their destination on time, meeting customer expectations and contractual obligations.
Proper logistics management helps in identifying the most cost-effective transportation routes, modes, and carriers.
However, a strike by truck drivers or port workers can disrupt the movement of goods, leading to delays in shipments reaching their intended destinations. Their strike can cause a ripple effect, impacting various stages of the supply chain, from manufacturing and distribution to retail. As September approaches, let’s take a look at the strike action taking place in the world.
Strike action has been affecting the UK for some time now – with various sectors walking out over pay and conditions in disputes with employers – and September 2023 is looking no different.
Train strikes
More than 20,000 RMT members working on the railways are set to walk out at the end of the month in fresh strike action.In a statement, the Rail, Maritime and Transport union said members in 14 train operating companies will strike over working conditions, pay and job security. There are also ongoing concerns from unions around plans to close nearly every ticket office in the UK. Walkouts will take place on 26 August and 2 September.
RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said: "The mood among our members remains solid and determined in our national dispute over pay job security and working conditions. "We have had to call further strike action as we have received no improved or revised offer from the Rail Delivery Group.
"The reason for this is the government has not allowed them a fresh mandate on which discussions could be held. A number of major operators will be affected, including cross-country services LNER and Avanti West Coast, as well as Trans Pennine Express and East Midlands Railway.
Manchester bus driver strikes
Transport chaos is set to come to Manchester in early September as two of the city’s biggest bus companies see their workers head out on strike. Unite the union accuse First Manchester and Stagecoach Manchester of paying ‘derisory wages’ to drivers struggling with rising living costs while their profits ‘continue to soar’. Many routes across the city are set to be affected, with some services restricted and others not running at all.
Luton Airport ground staff strikes
Passengers flying with Wizz Air from Luton Airport have been warned of the prospect of ‘substantial delays and disruption’ after Unite the union announced that workers employed by GH London Ground Handling Services Ltd will be striking in late August and two dates in September.
The dispute is over the treatment of union officials, as well as the use of CCTV in break room areas and what the union describes as a ‘failure to pay wages in full and on time.’
B.C. port dispute ends in August as workers vote to accept new deal
Port workers in British Columbia have accepted a new tentative deal with their employers, bringing an end to a tumultuous, weeks-long contract dispute that has paralyzed industries and supply chains across Canada.
On 4th, August, 2023, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada (ILWU) says the vast majority of its more-than-7,400 members voted to ratify a deal reached with help from the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB). The brief stoppage on July 18 cost several industries billions of dollars and left valuable cargo stranded on ships arriving at B.C.'s ports, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had faced calls from some political leaders and business groups to legislate port workers back to work.
B. C. port strike cost Canadian Pacific's newly amalgamated railway $80M, exec says "Businesses in Greater Vancouver and across the country are breathing a sigh of relief that ports and supply chains are returning to normal," said Greater Vancouver Board of Trade President Bridgitte Anderson in a Friday news release.
Mexican truckers plan nationwide strike and blockade
Transport workers affiliated with the Mexican Alliance of Organized Transport Workers (Alianza Mexicana de Organizacion de Transportistas, AMOTAC) will hold a nationwide strike and protests along various highways from 08:00 Aug. 29. The actions will end on Aug. 30. Demonstrators demand improved road safety, lower operating costs, and protection against extortion.
"AMOTAC officials stated that cargo theft is one of the main issues faced by Mexican truck drivers. AMOTAC spokesperson Valentin Romero Trujillo told 'El Financiero': 'Every day, we are subject to attacks, robberies, and even murders from both transport companies and drivers.
However, the commander of the National Guard has not given the necessary orders to take action to stop this situation.'
According to data from Mexico’s Ministry of Security and Civilian Protection, there were a total of 5,470 cases of cargo theft from January to July, marking a 10% increase compared to the same period last year. The states with the highest number of reported cases are located in central Mexico, including the states of Mexico, Puebla, Michoacán, San Luis Potosí, and Jalisco."
International trade carries various risks, including customs regulations, geopolitical uncertainties, natural disasters, and transportation-related risks. Effective logistics strategies involve risk assessment and mitigation measures to minimize disruptions to the supply chain. Furthermore, efficient logistics planning can significantly reduce unnecessary storage costs, delays, and resource wastage, resulting in cost savings for both exporters and importers.
International trade carries various risks, including customs regulations, geopolitical uncertainties, natural disasters, and transportation-related risks. Effective logistics strategies involve risk assessment and mitigation measures to minimize disruptions to the supply chain. Furthermore, efficient logistics planning can significantly reduce unnecessary storage costs, delays, and resource wastage, resulting in cost savings for both exporters and importers. 527 Supply Chain possesses unique advantages and extensive experience in this field. If you require related services, feel free to reach out to us via email or phone at any time.
