Fresh row with truckers may trigger strike at Quequen port: report

A group of lorry drivers from Argentina’s grain transport association (ATCADe) said they have entered into a mobilisation phase in a conflict that will lead to strike action affecting the operation of Quequen port, in Buenos Aires provice, local press reported.

The conflict is related to the use of truck parks in the port area.

On 31 July, a group of lorry drivers from a different transport federation had ceased strike action that had impacted operations at the Quequen port during a five-day period after drivers blocked the main access to the terminal.

Drivers urged the port’s authorities to negotiate with grain stockpiling firms operating in the terminal the exemption for transport workers to pay a fee for the use of truck parks.

The port, located near to the city of Necochea, 300 miles south of Buenos Aires, is a key grain export facility.

Almost 50 bulk carriers loaded 1.6 million mt of grains and oilseeds at the port over the January through July period, with wheat accounting for around 50% of the volume, soybeans one-third and corn the remainder.

ACA, Cofco, Nidera and Bunge were among the top grain exporters during the first seven months of 2018.