Port workers in Brazil initiated a 12-hour strike to voice their opposition against proposed amendments to the Ports Law, specifically targeting the removal of night shift and risk pay, alongside the potential for outsourcing port services. The strike, which took place last Tuesday, was orchestrated by the National Federation of Port Workers, the National Federation of Stevedores, and the National Federation of Loading and Unloading Checkers, Repairers, Port Watchmen, Block Workers, Ship Organizers, and Mooring Workers, collectively representing over 50,000 workers from major ports across the nation.
Mário Teixeira, President of Fenccovib, expressed disapproval of the committee of legal experts revising the Ports Law in the Chamber of Deputies, particularly criticizing its composition. He underscored the unions' unanimous opposition to the proposed legislative changes, noting the mobilization of all 151 Brazilian port unions, with backing from international labor bodies.
The strike unfolded against the backdrop of burgeoning growth within Brazil's port sector. Data from the National Waterway Transportation Agency highlighted a 4.28% increase in cargo throughput in the first half of the year, amounting to 644.76 million tonnes. This growth was notably propelled by a 22.72% rise in containerized cargo, setting a new record at 73.3 million tonnes. Moreover, solid bulk cargo, constituting about 60% of total port activity, experienced a 3.65% uptick, with 383 million tonnes processed during the same timeframe.
Source: DatamarNews