Port workers in RN assess the state of strike after an impasse with Docas

Port workers in Rio Grande do Norte must decide, this Friday (27), whether to go on strike in the Port of Natal. The mobilization is motivated by allegations of non-compliance with the Collective Labor Agreement (ACT) and by impasses in salary negotiations with the Companhia Docas do Rio Grande do Norte (Coders).

According to the Union of Workers in Port Services of RNthe ACT signed in December 2022 provided for a salary adjustment of 24.35%, with a guarantee of a minimum increase of R$500 in the base salary. However, according to the entity, the rule would not have been fully applied to most categories.

The union president, Magno Santos de Fariasstates that only higher-education workers received the adjustment as expected. The others would have received only the percentage, with the difference up to R$500 paid as a supplement, without incorporation into the salary.

According to the union, this model generated losses over time, as the additional value is not considered when calculating promotions and progressions based on seniority. The entity estimates that around 100 workers were impacted, mainly those with lower salaries, and points out that there are cases of base pay below the minimum wage.

In addition to the disagreements over the agreement, the category also criticizes the progress of the most recent negotiations. After a 1.5% adjustment previously granted, Codern’s current proposal would be 3.1%. Added together, the indices would represent an increase of 4.6% in four years, below the inflation accumulated in the period, according to the union.

Another point of demand is the payment of additional risk for workers in the operational area, an issue that is also under debate between the parties.

This Friday’s assembly should define the movement’s next steps. The proposal under discussion foresees a mobilization in stages, starting with public events in front of the company, with the use of a sound car and partial strikes, which could evolve into a strike if there is no progress in the negotiations.

When contacted, Codern stated that the current collective agreement remains valid and that negotiations for the next period are ongoing. The company informed that it has already presented a proposal to the category and is awaiting analysis.

Regarding the complaints, the company stated that the expected payments have been made, but acknowledged a difference in interpretation regarding the method of calculation, an issue that is being discussed in court. Codern also denied that there are workers receiving below the minimum wage.

Regarding the additional risk, the company informed that it follows judicial expert determinations and meets legal parameters, highlighting that it maintains dialogue with the category within budgetary limitations.

The impacts of a possible shutdown are still uncertain, but could affect operations planned for the coming months, including specific movements such as the transport of live cargo. Furthermore, acts of mobilization can have an impact on traffic in the Ribeira region, in Natal.