Stevedores have started eight days of strikes, to last until 23 June, after the failure of the negotiations with Anesco to reach an agreement in the new labour scenario that opens with the sector's liberalization.
The strikes will be carried out at odd hours on 5, 7, 9, 19, 21 and 23 June, and a continuous 48 hour strike is scheduled for Wednesday 14 June, to last until Friday 16 June.
The Spanish Minister of Public Works, I?igo de la Serna, has warned of the damage that this strike will cause to the economy, taking into account that, in the case of ports, unlike in other sectors, "losses can continue to be recorded well after the end of the conflict."
Furthermore, there have been production drops (of up to 70%) since last Friday as a measure to force the negotiation, which are already causing "non-cumulative economic losses to companies, which are defenceless, as well as extensive damage to the transport and logistics sector."
Four days after the government was able to approve the decree which liberalises the sector, on 18 May, thanks to the support of Ciudadanos and the PNV and the abstention of PDeCAT, trade unions and employers reached a principle of agreement aimed at a quick resolution of the conflict.
However, at the meeting held last Friday, in which a definitive breakthrough was expected to end the conflict, the situation has turned around, after a change of attitude on the part of the employers, according to the unions.
Anesco has been accused of giving a "turnaround" to the commitment to the workers' subrogation featured in the pre-agreement, which makes the unions unwilling to pursue a collective bargaining.
The trade unions demand that companies adhere to the given word and guarantee the protection of all jobs and also commit themselves to be part of the Port Employment Centres (CPE).
The Ministry of Public Works has set minimum services of up to 100% during the strike in operations involving perishable and dangerous goods, passengers, emergency situations and essential products for the islands, Ceuta and Melilla.
Moreover, it will be required for the performance not to fall below 50% of the average of the previous calendar year in comparable circumstances (schedule and type of merchandise).
The Ministry will monitor compliance with minimum services during the strike through an interministerial committee, which will be activated early this morning and will be analysing the situation with the information coming from the port authorities.
Source: EFE
