PERU – Less than a year after a state of emergency was declared after eight days of strikes by the stevedores employed at the Port of Callao, we are receiving reports of more problems affecting freight and shipping interests as dockers once again strike amid fears that the government is about to privatise the entire ports industry throughout the country.
Companies like Dubai’s DP World, whose facilities opened in 2010, Philippine group International Container Terminal Services (ICTSI) and Maersk subsidiary APM Terminals have all thrown money at developments in the region.
Attempts to move a convoy of commercial vehicles into the port apparently led to incidents of violence, including shots fired and physical assaults on personnel and trucks and even death threats. The strikers are demanding a review of labour benefits and pension rights.