Portugal: Maritime pilots on islands of Sao Miguel and Santa Maria, Azores, plan to strike Oct. 15-Nov. 15

Event

Maritime pilots represented by the labor union Oficiaismar plan to strike on the islands of Sao Miguel and Santa Maria in the Azores from 00:01 Oct. 15 through 23:59 Nov. 15. The purpose of the action is to protest Portos dos Acores' alleged failure to acquire additional equipment pilots claim is necessary for their jobs, and to pressure the port operator to cease mandating the use of certain personal protective equipment (PPE) that the employees assert interferes with the safe performance of their duties.

Unless averted, the labor action will likely prompt significant disruptions to passenger and freight operations at the ports of Ponta Delgada on Sao Miguel and Vila do Porto on Santa Maria, particularly given that pilotage services are required for ships arriving at and departing from the two facilities. Spillover effects from the strike could impact the operations of other ports in the Azores.

Advice

Liaise with trusted local sources for updates on the status of the threatened strike. Review contingency plans to ensure supply chain continuity in the event the work stoppage moves forward as planned; stockpile essential supplies ahead of the strike and consider alternative shipping methods for critical freights.