France’s fresh produce sector is confident that today’s (29 January) one-day general strike in the country will leave exporters and importers largely unaffected, according to one leading fruit marketer.

The nationwide general strike, which has been called by labour unions and opposition parties in the country to protest against President Sarkozy’s handling of the financial crisis, has reportedly caused trains and flights to be cancelled.

Workers at leading supermarket chains such as Auchan and Carrefour are also taking part in the strike action, reportedly in protest to cuts in working hours and job losses.

But, in spite of the disruption, Pierre Aguerre, marketing manager for kiwifruit specialist Prim’land, told Fruitnet that his business had been largely unaffected.

“We will have a look at the end of the day, but at the moment everything is fine – things are okay in terms of transport,” he said.

“If the strike went on for a week, it would be a different matter, but at the present time everything is fine.”

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