Portugese ports hit by strikes

Inchcape Shipping Services (ISS) has warned the strikes will severely affect vessel movements, but that it will continually monitor developments and keep clients advised accordingly.

AP reported earlier this week that Lisbon’s cargo terminal, the country’s largest, was backed on Monday with dozens of trucks as harbour pilots began a 48 hour national strike over a cut in staffing levels.

On a wider scale, the Portugese government has made moves to reduce port workers wages by 7% and has cut two additional salary payments per year by way of its austerity package. According to ISS, this has made it easier to hire and fire workers and harder for unions to negotiate pay increases.

ISS harbour pilots are set to strike again from 25-27 September with stevedores striking as this article is published. They are due to strike again from 25-29 September.

ISS administration workers are set to go on a 24 hour strike from 21-22 September and then again on 24-25 September. They have also stopped working overtime which is reportedly affecting port movements at Portimao.

According to Reuters, the strike troubles began on 17 September at Portugal’s two oil refineries, both owned by Galp.

The troubles continue but it’s unclear at the moment just how much more port operations will be affected across the country.