New Valencia union ruffles feathers

In a hard hitting press release, the Port Front has called for direct negotiations with shipping companies and the sidelining of terminal operators. This has been prompted by the positive nature of talks with MSC, compared with the failure to strike any agreement at all with terminal operator Noatum, which it accuses of making investment errors and neglect.

It stresses that the way the MSC terminal in the port works is a good example of a different mindset, which is much more profitable for everybody. “They are interested in working and in generating profit, as well as keeping vessels moving,” noted the union.

In contrast, it paints a picture of Noatum as simply trying to satisfy its shareholders at the expense of the work force.

The union was responding to a statement released by Noatum’s new director of operations, Boris Wenzel, who said that terminal operators see no future, if existing stevedoring practices do not change.