Asociación Rural del Uruguay urges action on port conflicts

Rafael Ferber, president of the Asociación Rural del Uruguay (ARU), has called for government action regarding ongoing labor conflicts at the Port of Montevideo. The port has faced more than 40 days of strikes this year following disputes over a collective bargaining agreement for 550 workers at the terminal, which is operated by Katoen Natie and the Administración Nacional de Puertos.

Ferber emphasized that port efficiency is critical for Uruguay to capitalize on international trade agreements, such as the one between Mercosur and the European Union. He criticized the delay in establishing mandatory minimum services, stating that the country should not remain a hostage to conflicts between concessionaires and unions.

In his closing speech at Expo Prado, Ferber also addressed broader economic concerns, including the need for state reform and fiscal discipline. He noted that the public sector deficit exceeded US$ 3.88 billion last year and argued that improving competitiveness requires addressing the root causes of fiscal deficits. Additionally, he expressed opposition to the Casupá dam project and urged the government to redefine the role of the Instituto Nacional de Colonización (INC).