Monday, March 31, 2008 Traders worry over unsolved port strike
THE Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (FCCC) in Negros Oriental complained over the unsolved strike in the port of Dumaguete City.
FCCC president Alex Sy told Sun.Star that his members are complaining that the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) failed to dispose of the cargoes in the port.
The strike by port workers affiliated with the Associated Labor Union-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (ALU-TUCP) is now on its third week.
Over 60 containers of corn grits have been held hostage at the port.
The corn grits from Mindanao arrived in Dumaguete City last March 16 and was still in the port as of Sunday.
Members of the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Nocci) also worry over the port problem.
Nocci president Manuel Sagarbarria said they are diverting products from Cebu to the San Carlos City port in Negros Occidental and are spending more for the scheme.
Both Nocci and FCCC have lodged their complaints with local government officials.
A businessman who requested anonymity said the Philippine Port Authority-Dumaguete Port Services (PPA-DPS) is to blame for the strike.
He defended the strikers and new cargo-handling operator, saying they are both victims of the system. (VLC)
