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, 13th and 16th June 2017.

Regret to inform that negotiations between Dockworkers Unions and Stevedoring Companies Association ANESCO are on hold. Proposals are being made through ANESCO, simultaneously, some direct individually Stevedoring Companies, which have already reached “Provisional” agreements at several Spanish Ports.

Meantime, Stevedoring Unions reiterated the validity of the announced Strikes at all affected Spanish ports within the following periods:

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

ANESCO has proposed a «Negotiation Calendar» starting on the 21st June until 6th October 2017.

Meanwhile, MINIMUM SERVICES have been decreed by the Government, to cover: Perishable goods, passenger services between islands and North African provinces.

Negotiation parties positions drawing closer to a final conclusion, but still, some more time required for the Full-Final Agreement.

UECC SCHEDULES HAVE BEEN MAINTAINED/ADJUSTED ENABLING VESSELS TO KEEP THEIR REGULAR TRADING PATTERNS, AIMING MINIMUM TIMING ALTERATIONS, AS CONFLICT CONGESTIONS AND DELAYS WILL PERMIT.

UECC is proactively keeping close touch with Customers, Port Operators, Port Authorities and all required parties to mitigate and minimize 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 the positive development of undergoing negotiations.

Yours Sincerely,

Helen Bjerke Olafsen
Head of Trade & Operation