Argentina's Oilseed Workers Strike Disrupts Grain Shipments

The oilseed workers strike in Argentina, demanding higher wages amid high inflation, disrupts grain shipments at key ports, stalling at least 36 ships. Negotiations with firms are at a standstill, with unions extending the strike, affecting terminals near Rosario, a major export hub.

An oilseed workers strike in Argentina is poised to continue into Saturday with wage negotiations at a stalemate, affecting shipments from one of the globe's major grain exporters.

According to industry spokespersons and unions, 36 grain-loaded ships experienced delays on Friday near Rosario, Argentina's key agricultural port. The strike, initiated on Tuesday by two industrial unions, demands workers' salaries outpace the high inflation rate.

On Friday, union leaders announced an additional 24-hour strike extension due to the companies' unyielding stance. 'We have no news or proposals of any kind,' stated Daniel Succi, head of the San Lorenzo Department Oilseed Workers and Employees Union (SOEA), as reported by Reuters.

The strike's impact is most pronounced at terminals north of Rosario along the Parana River, responsible for over 80% of Argentina's agricultural and agro-industrial exports. CIARA oilseed industry chamber president Gustavo Idigoras expressed readiness to negotiate, contingent on the strike's cessation.

'We are ready to sit down to negotiate, as soon as the measures are lifted,' Idigoras affirmed. Government officials did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment on the strike.

Despite a slowdown in rising consumer prices since President Javier Milei's December inauguration, Argentina's first-half inflation rate hit 79%, with yearly inflation at 271.5%. Guillermo Wade, president of the Ports and Maritime Activities Chamber, confirmed the ongoing delays involving approximately 36 vessels.