The public hearing on the privatization of the Port of Santos is being challenged in court

Workers from the Santos Port Authority (SPA) have asked the courts to postpone the public hearing on the company’s privatization, scheduled for next Thursday (10). Previously, workers at the Port of Sebastião used a similar strategy as the privatization of the port located at the Northern coast of São Paulo was only discussed late in the afternoon of February 7, after the government overturned an injunction last week.

Santos’ public hearing is scheduled to be held at the headquarters of the Santos Commercial Association (ACS), from 3 pm to 6 pm. The online streaming of the process will also be available.

The Union of Port Administration Employees (Sindaport) articulated the action against the public hearing. According to the organization’s president, Everandy Cirino dos Santos, the decision was taken based on the little information workers received regarding their working status after the privatization.

“There is no word on what will happen to the workers.” We believe that no entrepreneur will make an investment that puts them at risk of incurring labor liabilities. We’re also talking about labor succession, the commitment to Portus (the port workers’ pension fund), and how workers will fit into this whole process,” the unionist explained.

According to Cirino, the action is being processed in the 3rd Federal Court of Santos where the judge Décio Gabriel Gimenez gave a deadline of 48 hours for the Union’s manifestation on the issue.

Workers are also concerned about the fact that the Federal government is acting as if it is “racing against the clock” to complete privatization this year, which will be the last under the Bolsonaro administration.

“Our intention is to put the process on hold.” Everyone, workers, users, and entrepreneurs alike, understand that the government will be unable to meet the deadline due to a lack of time,” said Sindaport’s president.

Workers and some councilors in Santos are opposed to the SPA’s privatization. “We will continue to defend a public company with technical management, employee training and qualification, and autonomous management.”

However, the Federal Government only admits the privatization of the port. The concession period will be 35 years, renewable for up to five years, according to the National Agency for Waterway Transport (Antaq).

According to Antaq’s studies, the planned investments for the Port’s infrastructure adaptation total R$ 16 billion and are expected to be completed over the course of the contract.

Involved parties

Antaq said that it was not notified of the action taken by the workers at the Port of Santos.

SPA informed that it should not be involved with Sindaport’s action. “The consultation and public hearings on privatization are the responsibility of Antaq, which is responsible for conducting the bidding process”.

The Ministry of Infrastructure confirmed having been notified and will comment on the issue within the deadline set by the Court.

Source: A Tribuna

To read the full original article please see the link:

https://www.atribuna.com.br/noticias/portomar/audiencia-publica-sobre-desestatizacao-do-porto-de-santos-e-questionada-na-justica

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