“The dockers’ strike has ended and that is a reason for us to smile,” Vitorino said at a news conference after the union and operators reached a basis for agreement that paves the way for a new collective agreement for dock workers at the port that is to be signed by 29 February.
Since 14 November the union has submitted a series of strike threats that went through to at least 31 January. These are now to be withdrawn according to the minister.
During this period dock workers never actually took strike action but loading and unloading at Lisbon was delayed by several days prompting two shipping companies to cancel stops at the port.
In comments to journalists, Vitorino described the deal as “very important” in bringing to an end a dispute that “had lasted three years” during which the two sides had not even sat down together to talk.
The minister had herself chaired a meeting on 28 December after which a working group was set up to mediate in the conflict. TPN/Lusa