Deadlock results in delays in cargo clearance at the Port of Santos

The deadlock in labor negotiations between inspectors from regulatory agencies and the Federal Government is causing delays in the clearance of import and export cargoes at the Port of Santos, according to foreign trade organizations. There are concerns that the situation may worsen, with fears of potential strike by the category.

Hugo Evangelista, the director of the Customs Brokers Union of Santos and Region (SDAS) and the entity's representative to the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa), stated that "some importers and members have reported impacts, with operations taking about 15 days longer, and cargo sitting idle at the Port. This primarily affects food and pharmaceuticals".

Evangelista also noted that the export sector is being affected. "In the commodities sector, for example, exporters rely on the issuance of phytosanitary certificates to ship their products".

The union director explained that, at the Port, time literally means money. Stalled goods, he says, impact companies' operational costs.

"There is the cost of storage time, so the longer the cargo remains idle at the Port, the higher the operational costs for companies, especially in the case of food that requires temperature control and is stored in refrigerated containers connected to electrical outlets".

For José Roque, Executive Director of the São Paulo Maritime Agencies Union (Sindamar), the current situation is concerning.

"In a meeting with leaders from the National Union of Regulatory Agency Employees (Sinagências), we emphasized that the lack of personnel has been significantly harming the Port of Santos. If they initiate a strike on the 22nd (Monday), it is very worrying because it affects all ships. We have already warned them that if there is a strike, we will file a writ of mandamus to ensure the issuance of free pratique and sanitary inspection on board".

Roque stated that Sindamar has also sent three official letters to the Federal Government. "We sent a letter to Minister of Finance Fernando Haddad, one to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and another to the Ministry of Management and Innovation in Public Services (MGI), but unfortunately, we have not received a response from any of the three".

When contacted, the Port Authority of Santos (APS) reported that "it has not observed any impacts at the Port of Santos, but it is worth noting that port terminals, which could be directly affected, may report any potential impacts on their operations".

Mobilization and negotiations

Sinagências initiated the Valoriza Regulação Operation following a general assembly approved on May 8, aiming to pressure the Government to meet demands for salary increases and career restructuring.

On July 11, MGI presented a new proposal to Sinagências’ leadership during the fourth specific regulatory meeting. The Federal Government proposed scheduled salary increases for January 2025 and April 2026, including a 21.4% increase for career positions and a 13.4% increase for the Special Plan (PEC).

Throughout this week, Sinagências' board presented the new proposals to employees from the 11 regulatory agencies. Meetings took place on Monday with Anvisa and ANS employees; on Tuesday, with Ancine and ANA in the morning and Aneel, ANM, and ANP in the afternoon; on Wednesday, with Antaq and Anac; and yesterday, with ANTT and Anatel.

Strike?

On Monday (22), the union will hold an assembly with the entire category to deliberate on accepting or rejecting the Federal Government’s proposal and to decide on the next steps for the movement. A nationwide strike is being considered but has not been confirmed by union leaders.