September 18, 2008

Argentina truckers, grain exporters near deal to avoid strike

Argentina's grain truckers and exporters are expected to sign an agreement Wednesday afternoon to avoid a resumption of strikes and picketing of port complexes, a spokesman for the trucker's union said.

Earlier this month, the truckers picketed grain processing and port complexes across the country, threatening operations struggling to catch up with export commitments after a series of farm strikes earlier this year.

The truckers, who are demanding increased compensation and benefits, partially blocked deliveries to the southern Buenos Aires ports of Quequen and Bahia Blanca, and the Rosario ports of San Martin, San Lorenzo and Ramallo.

The blockades were lifted last week to facilitate talks.