A strike by French ferry workers caused severe disruption on both sides of the Channel yesterday and union bosses warned the action could stretch into the busy Easter holiday weekend.

SeaFrance workers in Calais walked out over new working practices and what they say are insufficient staffing levels, leaving two of the company's ferries stuck in the northern French port.

About 1,800 passengers on board one ferry, the Berlioz, were forced to leave the ship in Calais without making their crossing to the English port of Dover. Another ferry was eventually allowed to dock in Calais after waiting out at sea for several hours, and 1,200 passengers on board were able to disembark.

Striking workers then prevented the ship from making the return crossing to Dover.

Unions said the strike will continue today.

"The strike is set to last at least 48 hours," said Didier Cappelle, of the CFDT union.

Roads around Dover were gridlocked as a result of the strikes, forcing police to line up lorries waiting to cross to France. The vehicles stretched along the M20 motorway.

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