# Escalating labor strikes and legal disputes at Montevideo's > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/montevideo-port-labor-dispute > Updated: 2026-09-10T15:17:32.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 6. Negotiations between Terminal Cuenca del Plata (TCP) and the workers' union, Supra, have collapsed after the company unilaterally withdrew from the bargaining process. This breakdown followed Supra’s decision to expand its list of demands from three to seven points, specifically regarding a mechanism for guaranteed workdays and wages for a broader range of workers. TCP has expressed concerns that such a mechanism would result in excessive costs. On September 5, operations at the terminal were paralyzed by a surprise strike organized by the TCP-Nelsury union. The work stoppage, which lasted from 13:00 to 23:00, occurred immediately after a vessel completed its docking maneuver, leaving the ship stranded. The union, representing approximately 550 workers, cited the expiration of a collective bargaining agreement on May 31 and a lack of good faith negotiations as primary drivers for the action. Demands include wage increases to address rates that have not been updated in over 20 years, alongside progress on infrastructure projects. As the dispute persists, Supra has presented a counterproposal seeking a shorter agreement, not exceeding two years, with specific wage commitments. The union suggested a mechanism for ‘union guards’ to maintain some operations, though TCP management has questioned the sufficiency of such measures. By mid-September, the labor conflict has intensified, with reports indicating more than 30 days of strikes throughout the year. As the Ministry of Labor attempts to mediate between workers, Katoen Natie, and the National Ports Administration, business sectors have reported significant financial losses. The impasse is impacting regional logistics competitiveness, as large cargo ships are increasingly docking at the Port of Buenos Aires instead of Montevideo. Consequently, political figures from the National Party have called for the executive branch to declare port activity as ‘essential’ to ensure continuity. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-10: Port of Montevideo faces rising tension over Katoen Natie labor dispute A labor dispute at Montevideo’s Terminal Cuenca del Plata involving 550 workers threatens Uruguay’s logistics competitiveness as strikes drive cargo operations toward Buenos Aires. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/port-of-montevideo-faces-rising-tension-over-katoen-natie-labor-dispute ### 2026-09-08: Port of Montevideo faces labor strikes and legal disputes The Port of Montevideo faces operational challenges due to an indefinite labor strike at Terminal Cuenca del Plata and long-standing legal disputes over competition and concession rights. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/port-of-montevideo-faces-labor-strikes-and-legal-disputes ### 2026-09-05: Terminal Cuenca del Plata strike halts operations at Montevideo Port A surprise strike by the TCP-Nelsury union paralyzed operations at Montevideo's Terminal Cuenca del Plata on Saturday, amid ongoing disputes over collective bargaining and wage increases. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/terminal-cuenca-del-plata-strike-halts-operations-at-montevideo-port ### 2026-08-26: Terminal Cuenca del Plata withdraws from Montevideo port labor talks Labor negotiations at Montevideo's Terminal Cuenca del Plata have collapsed after the company withdrew from talks following an expanded list of union demands, leading to operational disruptions. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/terminal-cuenca-del-plata-withdraws-from-montevideo-port-labor-talks ### 2026-08-22: Terminal Cuenca del Plata workers resume activities in Montevideo Workers at Montevideo’s Terminal Cuenca del Plata have resumed operations after a Saturday assembly. Negotiations regarding guaranteed workdays and job stability will continue Monday with the Ministry of Labor. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/terminal-cuenca-del-plata-resumes-port-operations-in-montevideo ### 2026-08-18: Montevideo Port labor conflict prompts government consideration of essentiality decree Uruguay considers declaring the Port of Montevideo labor conflict an essentiality matter to resolve ongoing disruptions at the Terminal de Cuenca del Plata after 33 days of halted activity. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montevideo-port-labor-conflict-prompts-government-consideration-of-essentiality-decree --- Cite as: Escalating labor strikes and legal disputes at Montevideo's. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/montevideo-port-labor-dispute