In an open letter to the government, seven entities alert to the fact that "the national strike of port administration employees is blocking the import and export of goods. A situation that, they write, "is particularly serious at the Port of Leixões," in Matosinhos. They ask, therefore, the "suspension" of the strike
The strike of several days called by the National Union of Workers of Port Administrations (SNTAP) is causing a series of stoppages in the national ports, being the Port of Leixões, in Matosinhos, the most affected. The strike began a week ago and is scheduled until January 30. At issue is the "total lack of availability", says the SNTAP, by the port administrations, to discuss the proposed wage review for 2023. The union says it has made "several requests for meetings", which have never been answered, "particularly by the administrations of Sines and Lisbon.
In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, António Costa, the Minister of Finance, Fernando Medina, and the outgoing Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, Pedro Nuno Santos, and also to the SNTAP itself, seven entities with interests in the port sector say they are "deeply" concerned about the strike, which "is blocking the import and export of goods.
The document is signed by the Leixões Port Community, the Portuguese Business Association (AEP), the Port Trade Association (ACP), the Portuguese Shipping Agents Association, the National Association of Terminal Concessionaires, the Portuguese Freight Forwarders Association, and the Leixões Port Operators Association.
Shifting cargo to Spain
"Users of national ports with greater capacity are already diverting cargo to Spain and other international ports," the document to which the JN had access reads. But "most of the economic operators do not have this possibility, being totally paralyzed.
Foreseeing "incalculable" losses for Portuguese companies, economy and taxpayers, the seven entities ensure that "the situation is particularly serious in the Port of Leixões. This is because, "its physical characteristics dictate the total closure of the port, without it being possible for ships to enter or leave. "And yet, this port community is totally unaware of the reasons for this strike," they note.
"For one thing, port administrations do not have the autonomy to resolve the remuneration issues that the unions raise. These can only be resolved by the respective authority. On the other hand, it is public and evident that the negotiations have failed and the Ministry has cut off all contact with union representatives," say the entities.
In the document, the associations also mention that, every year, port administrations distribute dividends to the State, noting that, according to the law, the fees are used to improve port service. Thus, they consider to be "duty, obligation and responsibility of the Government the correct application of these fees and the proper functioning of the ports.
Therefore, they appeal, "it is urgent to ensure the suspension of this strike and stop the economic bloodletting that is currently occurring in national ports," appealing to "the sense of responsibility and duty of all parties.
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