Work stoppages spread at Chilean ports

The strike that has paralyzed several Chilean ports by labor demands of their workers today threatens to stop much of the flow of imports and exports of the South American country.

The demonstrations began last month at Angamos terminals in Mejillones, San Antonio and then were followed by Iquique, Antofagasta, Chañaral, Guasco and Caldera.

Now it’s been joined for “an indefinite period” by Biobío Port Union, which represents labor union facilities in San Vicente, Talcahuano, Huachipato, Colonel and Schwager.

If the business community and the government want to end the situation, they must be willing to talk “and address the workers’ demands,” said a statement from the Union.

The work stoppage was condemned by employers who described it as counterproductive.

The president of the Confederation of Production and Andres Santa Cruz Commerce, said the strike affects the credibility of Chile, and is considered illegal.

But the leader of the Front of Dockers San Antonio, Sergio Vargas, rejected the criticism.

“The businessmen are accustomed to having the state solve their problems ( … ) Workers in many ports have made their requests to the companies, and they did not heed the request,” he said.

Vargas demanded back pay to the employees of San Antonio by way of lunches from 2005 to 2013 as was agreed with the government last year.

Meanwhile , port workers from Angamos are accusing the company Ultraport of preventing unionization of workers in the plant.

Translated from an article at Prensa Latina