The defense of the interests of a privileged union which paralyzed the normal operation of the Caribbean ports of Costa Rica for 15 days, cost at least $1.5 million.
Friday, November 21, 2014
Hiring extra staff, renting of machinery and food expenses for officers of the security forces guarding the entrances to the terminals cost approximately $1.5 million, an expense that was incurred while employees of Japdeva went on strike.
The chief executive of Japdeva, Ann McKinley told Ameliarueda.com that "... The biggest cost was for forgone revenue because equipment was used which was not owned by the institution, equipment such as cranes, forklifts and refrigerators. Following this were expenses incurred by the entity for hiring three foreign pilots and renting tug boats to keep the ports running between October 22 and November 5, the day on which the protest was suspended. "
She added that "... They were also expenses for water and food for officers of the Armed Forces who kept the ports opened and provided order in the province. If the ports had been closed during the 15-day period the cost would have amounted to approximately $3 million. "
Union members went on strike indefinitely in the port terminals of Moin and Limon, through which pass 80% of international trade by the country and the region.
Business leaders from various productive sectors reported losses caused by the strike, while managers of port administration are looking for alternative labour in order to restart the loading and unloading.
Police entered the ports of Moin and Limon, which had been paralyzed for two days because of a strike, reactivating the loading and unloading of goods.
On Tuesday 12 June, the Trade Unions of Japdeva began a strike at the ports of Limon and Moin, protesting against an award made by the Costa Rican government for the construction and operation of a dock for container ships to the Dutch firm APM Terminals.
Despite a strike by Japdeva's dockworkers, private longshoreman from shipping companies are taking care of port operations.
The story is quite different at Port Limón, however, as all operations remain paralyzed.
Nacion.com reports: "... Japdeva authorities and union representatives are expected to meet today to find a solution to the strike, which has caused losses for $7.3 million and damaged tourism, as a cruise ship could not dock".
Workers from Japdeva have paralyzed port operations in Limón and Moín due to labor demands.
This measure taken by Japdeva, the state port administration entity, has prevented serving fruit cargo ships, and the arrival of a cruise ship.
Liroy Pérez, press secretary from the Japdeva Workers Union, stated that "port workers are striking due to unmet salary commitments, as there are two wage adjustments still pending", reports local newspaper La Prensa Libre.
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