Grains Port Strike in Argentina Comes to A Halt

Workers in the grains port laid down their signs Wednesday after the government ordered them to abandon their weeklong strike for 15 days and negotiate with company management.

The CGT union umbrella group went on strike last week after management refused to discuss their demands for wage increases.

Argentina is the world’s largest exporter of soy oil and meal and the number three supplier of soybeans. Despite light exports in the weeks before harvesting, the weeklong strike caused worldwide grain prices to increase.

The protests also affected export facilities, delayed shipments and brought soy-crushing plants operating in the northern Rosario-area to a halt.

Officials say the ports should be back to normal operation in 24 to 48 hours.

Analyst report that the impact on world grain prices would have been much greater had it been gathering season for farmers. During the strike 45 ships were stopped from unloading.

Workers and management have 15 days to resolve their issues before the port workers resume their strike.