Strike at Callao Port Already Cost Exporters USD 50 Mln

The ongoing dispute between dockers at Callao port, in Peru and APM Terminals has already resulted in over USD 50 million losses in containerized exports due to dockworkers’ strike, now entering its second week, data from the Peruvian Association of Exporters (ADEX) shows.

ITF-affiliate Sutramporpc has accused APMT of intransigence in refusing to negotiate over workers’ demands for fair pay and of acting illegally, as in Peru crew from vessels are not authorised to undertake unloading in port, given their lack of expertise.  The union has suspended talks “until the company shows genuine interest in ending the dispute”.

According to ADEX, the strike has been caused by the union’s resistance to implementing an electronic system of nomination of workers. Currently, the union is in charge of distributing tasks among its members, without a criterion of efficiency, which increases the penalties for delays in loading and unloading ships for amounts exceeding one million dollars, the association added.

ADEX said that this is in addition to the increasing violation of the mechanisms of control and security in the port itself, which enables the infiltration of cocaine export cargo containers and other criminal acts reported in recent days.

“If these facts are not corrected promptly and decisively, they will damage the image of Peru abroad, as well as the growth of future exports,” said Eduardo Routledge, Chairman of ADEX.

Moreover, owners of cargo and transport companies, including officials from APM Terminals are reported to had been receiving death threats aimed at preventing the final solving of the current issues.

ADEX called on the relevant authorities to put the situation under control and create conditions for a final settlement of the dispute and resuming of regular port operations.

World Maritime News Staff, Image: ITF