Strike threatens to leave Algeciras port without fuel

THIRTY-SIX employees of Boluda Tankers, who provide fuel for ships anchored in the Bay of Algeciras, have gone on strike. They are protesting against changes to the work schedules they have had for 20 years. Until now, they had been working five days a week and rested on Wednesday and Thursday, but their union has complained that they have told they will now be on board all week, working one week and resting another, but without proper holidays.

After two meetings, they decided to cease activity, which will affect not only boats, but also Algeciras Port and the fuel provider, Cepsa.

This has occurred at the precise moment when dock workers in the area are in negotiating with Maersk in hopes they will continue to operate from Algeciras Port, where activity has fallen since the Tanger-Med port opened.

Also, many large shipping companies are currently decided at which ports they will maintain operations.