Published: 30 Apr 2010
Shipping stopped as Spanish wharfies down tools
HANJIN Shipping was forced to cancel the inaugural call at its new container terminal in Algeciras, Spain, this week after dock workers refused to work following a row over manning levels, Lloyds List reports.
Hanjin Casablanca had docked earlier in the week but left with its cargo still on board.
Spanish stevedoring workers are in dispute with management over the organisation of work teams in the €167m ($220.7m) semi-automated terminal, the first of its kind in Spain.
The union commited to accept semi-automation but a union representative said TTIA had failed to negotiate and was trying to impose a notable reduction in labour that breached the port's collective labour agreements.
Urgent talks are now under way to resolve the disagreement ahead of the next vessel arrival on Monday.
