Spain: Companies seek international ports to avoid stevedore strikes

The stevedoring conflict not only affects workers and the port sector; there are many companies that depend on this traffic and have already started to prepare themselves before the stevedore strikes, called for 6 March to 26 March, because of the approval of the decree that liberalises the sector.

Stocking goods and operating in international ports are two of the favourite options for companies receiving products, either to place them in the market or to introduce them in the production line. As for exports, some companies have already re-scheduled the shipments ahead of the strikes.

It should be noted that 78% of the goods entering Spain and 57% of those exported abroad are carried by sea, according to data from the Spanish Ministry of Public Works.

The most concerned are the companies that work with fresh produce. Mercabarna sources explain that the companies that supply them with fruits and vegetables are the ones that most fear the strike. "We will not be left without stock," they assured us. However, the arrival of exotic or off-season fruits (such as watermelons, melons, bananas and pineapples), could be affected by the strikes.

"If they stay for a day in the port, they lose value," say sources from Barcelona's wholesale market. Some of its supplier companies are studying alternatives to prevent this from happening, such as operating in ports outside Spain "if they see that the strikes cause real problems and it appears the product is going to stay in the ship."

This strategy will lead to an increase in their expenditure, since it would entail combining sea and land transport to cover the route to Barcelona. As for meat and fish, which are mostly exported, the problem is not as severe, since the products are transported frozen.

The port of Valencia is one of the busiest in terms of volume handled, with around 38% of the total. Sources from the sector in the city confirm that many companies are already accumulating stock. "Many cannot afford a day of waiting". This trend started with the conflict, although the proximity of the strike has intensified it.

The minimum services proposed by the Ministry, led by Íñigo de la Serna, back before the warning of strikes for 20, 22 and 24 February, guaranteed the mobility of 100% of fresh products. The stevedores, while aware of the importance of their work, described the measures proposed by the Government as "barbaric."

This time, the approach is expected to be the same, although the strikes will last for three weeks. "If that's the case, there should be no problems, but whether or not the minimum services will be respected is another kettle of fish," stated sources within the sector. Some companies have already been affected by the covert strike that has been denounced by Anesco since the beginning of the conflict, according to Mercabarna representatives.