Port of Beirut goes on strike; union warns of food shortages

Lebanon’s food importers union warned on September 8th of a food disaster in the country and huge damages to the private sector if workers in the port of Beirut continue striking, according to information supplied by the Anadolu agency.

In a statement, the employer stated that the interruption of the automated customs system and the suspension of work at the container terminal led to the stoppage of the port structure, with severe losses imposed on the private sector.

The current situation should further stifle the flow of foreign goods into crisis-hit Lebanon, the statement said, especially food products.

“The continual interruption of the work of basic state institutions, including ministries and public agencies, linked to companies and foreign trade operations, amounts to a systematic destruction of the food sector and private entities,” he added.

The union is asking for all the necessary efforts from the officials responsible for opening the import and export channels in the Lebanese capital.

Employees of the Beirut Container Terminal Consortium (BCTC) have maintained a general strike since Aug. 1 in order to improve their livelihoods. The stoppage affected the flow of trade in the country’s main port.

Source: MEMO – Middle East Monitor

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https://www.monitordooriente.com/20210909-porto-de-beirute-entra-em-greve-sindicato-alerta-para-falta-de-alimentos/

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