Speaking at the Portuguese Logistics Association’s shipping and ports seminar, he noted that unions have persistently tried to close down ports and that their way of conducting business reflected a “medieval world of port work”.
Commenting on recent strikes, he noted: “I understand that it is very difficult for [those involved] to pay attention to this world when they have to confront a medieval world of port work that continues to close Portuguese ports with requirements that were not even possible in the 19th century.”
He added that “government seems insensitive to this”.
“Not only does [the government] not have a digital strategy [for ports], but it also welcomes the medieval revolt of port workers with passivity, silence and omission,” he said.
He also reiterated the need to design some sort of digital strategy if ports are to remain competitive.