December 23, 2020

Soymeal exports in Argentina disrupted as wage strike enters 13th day

Argentina's soymeal exports have grounded to a halt as wage talks between Argentine port workers and soymeal manufacturers stalled on December 22, pushing the wage strike into its 13th day, Reuters reported.

Oilseed workers and grains inspectors are demanding a pay rise to compensate for the country's high inflation and risks of working during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Daniel Succi, an official with the Union of Oilseed Workers and Employees (SOEA), said there was a settlement, but a subsequent meeting in the evening was cancelled for unknown reasons.

Unions linked to Argentina's maritime and port sector announced that they will begin a 36-hour strike beginning December 23 in a show of solidarity with SOEA and other groups.

No soybean trucks have entered the Rosario grains hub since last week. The Rosario grains hub is where 80% of Argentina's agriculture exports are shipped out.

The CIARA chamber of soy crushing firms said more than 100 cargo ships have been unable to load during this strike.

A source from CIARA, who did not want to be named because of the sensitivity surrounding the negotiations, said the unions' demands are exaggerated, wanting pay rises that are higher than the inflation rate.

- Reuters