After the approval of the Stevedoring Liberalization Royal Decree by Spanish Parliament on 18th May 2017 and meetings held between the Stevedoring Unions and Stevedoring Companies Association held on 1st and 13th June.

Regret to inform that negotiations have not achieved the required agreement. Stevedoring Unions rejects the proposals from Stevedoring Companies Association ANESCO as proposals were considered; not sufficiently and solidly guaranteeing the required employment continuity of the dock workers.

The Longshoremen-Stevedoring Unions reiterated the validity of the announced Strikes at all Spanish ports within the following periods:

• Strike to be applicable on odd hours, only.
• Affected dates: 19th,21st, 23rd, 26th, 27th, 29th, 30th of June and 3rd, 4th, 6th and 7th of July

Further additional FULL-TIME strikes have been officially registered for:

• Strike to be applicable FULL TIME.
• Affected dates: 14th at 08:00 until 16th June at 08:00 hours.

ANESCO is due to discuss Unions proposals at their General Assembly Meeting due on Friday the 16th June. Meantime, MINIMUM SERVICES have been decreed by the Government, to cover: perishable goods, passenger services between islands and North African provinces.

UECC SCHEDULES HAVE BEEN MAINTAINED AND VESSELS WILL KEEP THEIR REGULAR TRADING PATTERNS, WITH MINIMUM TIMING ALTERATIONS, AS CONFLICT WILL PERMIT.

UECC is proactively keeping close touch with Customers, Port Operators, Port Authorities and all required parties to mitigate and minimise the impact, as far as, challenging conditions will permit, always adapting vessel’s schedule to avoid delays and cargo back-loads accumulation.Please rest assured, that you would be punctually posted of any mutually required corrective and preventive actions, and hopefully

Please rest assured, that you would be punctually posted of any mutually required corrective and preventive actions, and hopefully positive development of undergoing negotiations.

Yours Sincerely,

Helen Bjerke Olafsen

Head of Trade & Operation