Limón Dock Strike Getting Closer To Reality
The meeting lasted more than two hours, as the dock workers union and members of the Junta de Administración Portuaria y de Desarrollo Económico de la Vertiente Atlántica (JAPDEVA), however, no consensus was reached to avoid a potential strike at the Limón docks.

At the heart of the dispute are two core items: the government's plan to privatize the docks by offering concessions at both Limón and Moín and the back pay of some ¢450 million colones (us$874.000) in benefits accumulated by the workers by a collective agreement.

If an agreement isn't reached, the docks workers of Limón will surely strike. Another meeting is set for next Monday (14th), at which time, either an agreement is reached or an action to strike is announced.

The Ministerio de Seguridad Pública has dispatched some 180 police officials to provide support in the event of disturbances, as well as the Cruz Roja (Red Cross) from neighbouring Matina and Batán will be on alert to assist in the city of Limón.

The workers union is saying that JAPDEVA and the government have to do better (a more attractive offer) to avoid a strike in the province.

JAPDEVA has said it has on the table an agreement to pay the workers the ¢450 million colones they are owed and negotiations to finance the payment is underway. However, workers are adding the need for new machinery and the dredging of the docks if they are to continue working.