Ships coming into Latin America's largest port Santos in Brazil were at a standstill yesterday following a 24-hour strike by staff for better working conditions, website Americaeconomia.com reported.

Port operators Codesp said although it was administrative staff who had downed tools, this had effectively brought the whole of the port to a standstill.

Shipping agency Williams stated that there was no activity at the port.

Another shipping agency A Commodities confirmed no vessels were being allowed to enter.

Santos is a big port for the export of orange juice, coffee, meat, sugar and soya and is located in the south east of Brazil.

Strikers want equal pay for new and more established employees together with more investment in education.

In August they achieved a 9.6% pay increase.

It's hoped operations will return to normal later today.

Photo: Santos port

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