Uruguay
TCP union begins indefinite strike with minimum services at the terminal
It is the first measure of this kind since the government imposed a minimum-services regime. Katoen Natie said it will keep only the necessary staff and will continue participating in dialogue efforts.
The union at Terminal Cuenca del Plata (TCP) decided to begin an indefinite work stoppage. It is the first measure since the government established minimum services for the terminal amid the dispute over negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement.
According to Katoen Natie, only the staff needed to comply with that regime will work during the strike. The company also said it will adopt measures to ensure compliance, preserve operational safety and reduce the impact on vessels, cargo, carriers and other users.
According to reports by El País and Caras y Caretas, the conflict between TCP and its union, backed by the Sindicato Único Portuario y Ramas Afines (Supra), has been ongoing since January without an agreement in collective bargaining.
In a statement cited by both outlets, the company said it took part in bilateral and tripartite negotiation rounds and has already fully used its room to bring positions closer together, so it is not in a position to modify the proposals already presented. Even so, it said it remains willing to talk and will attend any meetings that are convened.
El País added that concern remains within the government over the lack of progress and the complexity of the conflict at the port. According to that outlet, Supra requested a formal meeting with ministers Juan Castillo and Lucía Etcheverry, and with the Secretary of the Presidency, Alejandro Sánchez, after expressing its rejection of the government’s decision on minimum services.
That same outlet also said the government measure received the backing of Frente Amplio president Fernando Pereira, although there are also government-aligned voices that support the union’s protest, such as Senator Gustavo González.
Sources
About this note. Written by El Notero with the assistance of artificial intelligence, based on what was published by the cited outlet. El Notero did not conduct its own reporting on this event.
