Electronic rostering to combat drug activity at strike-hampered Callao docks

San Francisco: APM Terminals, the port operators at strike-hit Callao in Peru, say the reason they want an electronic rostering system is because of concerns about drug dealing and drug use on the docks.

The rostering system has been cited as a major sticking point behind the labour unrest that has seen port activities disrupted since May 13.

An APMT spokesman said the system would aid in the fight against drug trade in the port, citing the involvement of stevedores.

They also said it would give the terminal operators access to dockworkers’ background information, which could be used to fire employees more easily and is within Peruvian law.

The latter explanation jibes more with the fears expressed by striking workers about the system being used to undermine the union’s influence.

APMT, part of Denmark’s Maersk Group, recently fired 130 of the roughly 600-strong workforce, bringing in members of the Peruvian navy as replacement labour.

But performance was impacted, with noticeable delays causing lines of trucks waiting to enter the port and ships backing up on the water.