Latest French union's protests fail to make their mark •
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UK hauliers say the latest direct action by French hauliers (CM 28 May-3 June) in protest over pay was a "damp squib". The action carried out by the French union FO on 26 May in regions including Alsace, Bourgogne and Normandy, was limited to handing out leaflets and slow running rather than full-scale blockades, says the Freight Transport Association. Meanwhile, the FO is reported to have called off proposed disruption during the World Cup from 10 June to 12 July. David Croome, managing director of Croome International says of last week's action: "We heard of no undue difficulty from our drivers." Of the commitment not to disrupt the World Cup he says: "The French are the French aren't they? Your guess is as good as mine what they will do." Graham Eames, of Hargrave International, also says none of his drivers was affected. As for the understanding that French hauliers will not disrupt the Cup, he says: "It is hardly surprising action has been called off. Given the amount of World Cup tickets the French have given themselves there will be nobody to man any blockades!"
Eames says hauliers should just "wait and see" what happens now.