The Port Workers Union of Chile (UPCH) is due to begin a strike today (June 18) in some of the country's key ports, over what they see as a lack of progress by the government in talks on labor reform. 

A key labor reform act is due to be voted on in Congress sometime over the next few days. In addition, the union is also urging the government to push through better educational reforms.

While the situation may change in the near future, at the time of writing the ports that will be affected by the strike action are San Antonio - where as large proportion of fruit departs - as well as Antofagasta, Talcahuano, San Vicente, Coronel and Lirquen.

According to the UPCH, San Antonio, Talcahuano, San Vicente, Coronel and Lirquen will see an 'indefinite' strike from 8.00am local time on Thursday, while the strike at Antofagasta should only affect three shifts.

The ports of Valparaiso, Arica and Angamos will continue operating normally, while the port of Iquique is already experiencing a strike for other reasons.

Photo: Port of San Antonio

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