270 Algerians stuck at Marseille port due to Corsica ferry strike

A total of 270 Algerian passengers are stuck at the port of Marseille as Corsican seafarers’ union STC pursued a 48-hour strike in support of a salary claim.

• The Algerians were supposed to sail to Algeria on Tuesday but the strike stopped the trip and deprived all the passengers of going home.
• French Mediterranean ferry operator SNCM said Marseille-Algiers trip was re-set for Thursday, indicating that all the passengers were sheltered.
• The operator added that it had suggested three solutions for the passengers: either postponing the trip for 48 hours, remaining in boat or getting full compensation.
• STC seafarers are due to resume normal working on Thursday after it became clear that the company would dissolve and all jobs would be lost if a privatization plan was not implemented.  
• The strike finally ended when it became clear that the company would dissolve and all jobs would be lost if a privatization plan was not implemented.
• The French government agreed to retain a 25 percent stake in the company and reduce staff through early retirements rather than layoffs.
• On the other hand, the union has warned that it is ready to stage an all-out strike.