New ports legislation adopted in Chile

The new law gives stevedores the right to a half-hour break per shift, something which was negotiated by Labour Minister, Javiera Blanco, commission senators and by the Port Union of Chile.

Previously, the Chilean Confederation of Port Workers had argued that each port should have the flexibility to negotiate with employers, which resulted in the amendment granting some latitude as to when the break should take place.

A Port Modernisation Plan – encompassing better working conditions, increased port capacity and greater productivity – has also been agreed by the Economy, Transport & Telecommunications, and Labour ministries, in collaboration with port representatives and exporters.

Truck drivers serving ports are now allowed to work up to an additional 88 hours per month, if this time involves waiting (and not driving). Anything over and above that would mean that the driver would be obliged to take a rest period, meaning the owner would lose money by having to take the truck out of service.