Chile's police special forces took the port of San Antonio by force yesterday to allow non-striking workers access to the San Antonio International Terminal (STI), website Soychile.cl reported.

Photo: @allyfernandez

The move comes in response to strikes that began on Jan. 3 which have paralyzed trade from the major port, particularly for the fruit industry. Click here for background on the issue.

San Antonio Port Workers Front (FTP) leader Julio Castillo said police had  exercised excessive repression in the city to gain access.

"A night of repression from the police special forces was experienced. People from STI don't want to go to work but they are forced to," Castillo was quoted as saying.

The story reported the police presence had not diminished so far this morning, while 80 workers remained outside the union hall on the corner of Barros Luco Avenue and Tres Norte Street, where clashes had taken place between the two camps.

Sitraport Union boss Cristián Ogaz issued strong words in an improved gathering yesterday.

"This is war. There is nothing else to do," Ogaz was quoted as saying.

www.freshfruitportal.com