Supra union rejects government minimum services at TCP

The Sindicato Único Portuario y Ramas Afines (Supra) has rejected the Uruguayan government's imposition of minimum services at the Terminal Cuenca del Plata (TCP), labeling the resolution excessive and lacking legal basis. Álvaro Reinaldo, president of Supra, argued that according to International Labour Organization (ILO) standards, ports are not considered essential services, though exceptions may exist for perishable or dangerous goods.

In response to the dispute, Supra has initiated a 24-hour national port strike. The union plans to hold a general assembly with all port workers to collectively address the impact of the government's resolution.

Government officials, including Presidency Secretary Alejandro Sánchez, defended the intervention. Sánchez stated that the Executive branch prioritized dialogue before establishing minimum services due to a lack of progress in negotiations between the private company and the union. The conflict centers on the negotiation of a new collective bargaining agreement, with further meetings scheduled at the Ministry of Labour.