SeaFrance crew are trying to force the cross-Channel ferry operator to resume services between Dover and Calais. which have been suspended since November 15.
A French court has appointed a mediator to try to decide whether it is appropriate for sailings to resume, following an application by the workers' union CFDT for SeaFrance to be forced to continue operating.
The company's vessels have remained in dock since last Tuesday when management said it could no longer guarantee the safety of staff and property.
SeaFrance was placed into administration on November 16 and the company has been given until December 12 to find new owners. A French court last week rejected takeover offers from rival ferry operators DFDS and LD Lines and from a workers' co-operative.
The court rejected the bid by the 880-strong workforce to take over SeaFrance for a token €1 on the grounds that they didn't have the funds to support their bid, but regional authority Nord Pas de Calais is believed to be ready to stump up around €10m to back the workers if the French government and rail operator SNCF, which owns SeaFrance, will match its offer.
As state aid of companies is illegal within the European Union, the offer would have to take the shape of loans with interest rates attached.
In the meantime, the mediator is expected to announce within days whether services should resume.
By Linsey McNeill
