Dockworkers at the Port of Santos announce 12-hour strike after TRT-SP decision

The Dockworkers Union of Santos, São Vicente, Guarujá and Cubatão confirmed the implementation of a 12-hour strike starting this Wednesday (April 1st), in a mobilization that is part of the national movement in defense of the rights of the port category.

The decision comes after a determination by the Regional Labor Court of the 2nd Region (TRT-SP), which analyzed the collective dispute involving the labor union and the Union of Port Operators of the State of São Paulo (SOPESP). The court maintained the right to strike, but established strict limits on its implementation.

According to the decision of the rapporteur Davi Furtado Meirelles, the strike should take place from 7am to 7pm, lasting a maximum of 12 hours. Furthermore, it was determined that at least 50% of the workforce remains active to ensure the functioning of essential services at the ports.

The mobilization maintains as its main agenda the category’s concern with possible legislative changes, especially related to Bill No. 733/2025, which, according to workers, could directly impact the exclusivity of casual port work.

The TRT highlighted that, although the motivation for the strike is broader in nature, including political and legislative aspects, the right to strike is constitutionally guaranteed, as long as legal limits and minimum continuity of essential services are respected.

The decision also provides for a fine of R$200,000 in case of non-compliance with the established rules, in addition to other applicable sanctions. Movement supervision will be carried out by a bailiff, who must verify compliance with the determinations during the strike.

The union reinforces that the mobilization is a response to the category’s growing concern about the future of port work organization and highlights the importance of workers’ union at this time.

This Wednesday’s strike is expected to partially impact port operations in the region, without, however, completely interrupting activities, as required by the court decision.