Two leading Chilean fruit industry groups have announced their opposition to measures entailed in a bill before the national legislature, for what is expected will be the 'Short Law of Ports'.

The Chilean Fruit Exporters Association (ASOEX) has expressed its 'profound concern' over the proposals, which demand the private industry contribute to a 'Port Modernization Fund' to provide retroactive payments for workers'; an issue that was at the core of strikes this year and in 2013.

The association criticized the "erratic policies" of Chilean governments on ports for more than 20 years, claiming that through strikes the fruit industry had borne a disproportionate amount of the costs.

"We categorically reject having to assume a cost that doesn't correspond to us once more," ASOEX said in a release.

The organization also referred to another point of contention of the Short Law, which dictates all workers must take their half-hour breaks at the same time during each shift. Port operator Terminal Pacifico Sur (TPS) has claimed this rigid rule would reduce the use of port capacity by 20% and have a US$4 billion impact on the Chilean economy due to lost working time.

ASOEX said this aspect should have been remedied through a protocol signed recently between senators, the Minister of Work and port leaders, allowing lunchtimes to be alternated in order to avoid indeterminate halts to operations that impact efficiency and competitiveness.

Juan Carolus Brown Bauzá, who heads up grower association Fedefruta, said he was in 100% agreement with ASOEX.

"We understand that this issue will continue lashing at the fruit industry, and therefore we believe it's best the port operatores raise all their possible points of disagreement on the table now, with the aim of finding an integral solution so that we don't find ourselves with new surprises in a couple of months from now.

Photo: www.freshfruitportal.com

www.freshfruitportal.com