Fenoco rail and striking workers called to meet
Reuters reported that Colombia's main coal railway and striking workers were to meet on Thursday after nearly a week long hiatus in government mediated talks to try to break an impasse over a walkout in which major producers are starting to declare force majeure.
Colombia's labor ministry had called the Fenoco rail company and union representatives to Bogota for talks.
Mr Peter Burrowes, president of the private company in charge of the railway concession, Fenoco, said he hoped the two sides could come to an agreement at the meeting, which will be led by the vice minister for labor. He said “ certainly hope we can resolve this conflict today or tomorrow or the day after. The sooner the better.”
Talks have hit an impasse. Fenoco demands that trains stuck on the track first be moved before any negotiations, and the union calls for workers fired in the 2009 walkout to be reinstated.
Two of Colombia's top coal exporters Drummond International and Glencore's Prodeco unit have already canceled some cargoes due to an 11 ay strike
Fenoco's shareholders include Glencore International Plc's Prodeco unit, Drummond International and Goldman Sachs Group Inc's Colombian units. The three companies account for more than 50% of total coal exports. The rail line transports up to 160,000 tonnes of thermal coal from mines in the northern Cesar province to Caribbean ports.
The last strike in 2009 at Fenoco lasted for 27 days and was declared illegal.
Source – Reuters
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