Operations at Terminal Cuenca del Plata (TCP) in the Port of Montevideo remain severely restricted following an indefinite strike by terminal workers, as negotiations over a new collective agreement continue.
The industrial action began at 10:00 local time on 7 September, with the TCP-Nelsury workers’ union subsequently deciding to maintain the stoppage for an indefinite period.
According to local Uruguayan reports citing communications from TCP, minimum staffing arrangements are allowing limited activity to continue at the specialised container terminal, but normal operations have not resumed.
TCP, which is majority-owned by Katoen Natie, said the staffing arrangement established by the union was insufficient to guarantee operational continuity.
The terminal has also indicated that it could consider legal or administrative action if necessary to protect the provision of port services.
The disruption is affecting both vessel and landside operations at the terminal.
According to information from TCP reported by local media, the minimum staffing arrangement allows only limited activity at the quay.
Local reports also indicate that cargo transport companies have faced significant delays accessing the port. Uruguay’s freight transport association reported truck waiting times of up to 18 hours in some cases.
The transport group estimated that the disruption could be costing companies between US$400,000 and US$500,000 per day in lost turnover.
However, Uruguayan authorities have stressed that the dispute specifically concerns TCP rather than the entire Port of Montevideo.
Despite the continuing industrial action, negotiations appear to have moved closer to a possible resolution.
Álvaro Reinaldo, president of the TCP workers’ union, told Uruguayan broadcaster Subrayado that workers had accepted the company’s latest proposal, subject to a change in the duration of the proposed collective agreement.
The union wants the agreement to run for two years rather than the five-year period proposed by the company.
“We believe it could be a good way forward,” Reinaldo said, according to the local report.
Workers have meanwhile committed to maintaining minimum staffing while negotiations continue.
A new tripartite meeting involving TCP, workers and Uruguay’s Ministry of Labour and Social Security is scheduled to take place on 8 September through the National Labour Directorate (DINATRA).
The dispute follows several weeks of negotiations between the company and workers over the terms of a new collective agreement.
TCP has maintained that its latest proposal followed several revisions during negotiations and had reached its final form.
The outcome of the latest talks will determine whether normal container operations at the Montevideo terminal can resume.
