Spain issues stevedoring reform plan

Above all, it is seeking an orderly transition from the previous to the new standards that will govern the industry without undermining the basic labour rights of workers and without reducing employment in the sector.

For its part, the owners’ association ANESCO has made nine observations regarding the proposed changes, several of these relating to worker training, given that stevedore training in Spain is regarded as a reference point to the industry.

The main port union Coordinadora Estatal de Trabajadores del Mar (Coordinadora) has made five observations, while calling upon the government to bring together all stakeholders concerned to ensure the project is a success. In particular, it wants to see a much longer transition period during which old legislation is phased out and the new law implemented.

Separately, in the Port of Sagunto, the port stevedoring company, Sociedad Anonima de Gestion de Estibadores Portuarios Del Puerto de Sagunto (SESASA), has opted to retain its existing legal configuration. It will effectively continue operating as a Sociedad Anónima de Gestión de Estibadores Portuarios (“Port Stevedoring Management S.A.”, or SAGEP), with current shareholders. Any subsequent change will depend on whether shareholders decide to acquire all the shares of Intersagunto Terminales shares or whether to amortise their shares, with a concomitant reduction of capital.