Chilean fruit exporters are keeping a watchful eye on the latest strike by public sector workers as they gear up for the start of the new export season.
A decision by the National Association of Civil Servants (ANEF) to extend its walkout in protest at pay and working conditions into another week has been met with mounting concern by some parts of the industry, while others are downplaying its importance.
Until now, the impact on fruit exports has been slight as the season has just got underway. But as volumes increase, there is a risk that disruption could escalate.
According to Patricio Crespo of the National Agricultural Association (SNA) the walkout by customs officials and workers from the National Agriculture and Livestock Service (SAG) is already causing disruption to exports of avocados, apples, cherries and early blueberries, as well as other agricultural products such as meat and dairy.
Crespo noted that the strike is also affecting imports of seeds which have a limited shelf-life before they have to be planted.
However, others are confident that the situation will soon be resolved. Andres Armstrong of the Chilean Blueberry Committee said it has become the norm at this time of the year when the national budget is being set for public sector workers to show their muscle in a bid to improve their negotiating position.
“This always creates inconveniences, and in this case is causing delays to inspections amongst other things, but the fruit that has been harvested is still getting through and we are confident that the situation will return to normal before volumes hit their peak,” he told Fruitnet.
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