Thus, "APAT calls for an understanding to be reached as soon as possible, as in addition to the damage directly caused to our companies and people, it also causes damage to the image of Portugal and Portuguese ports", said the association.

According to the association, "although it is not possible to say with a high degree of certainty, we estimate that a strike with these characteristics and dimension could have an impact on international trade of around 100 to 150 million euros/day in the country".

APAT highlighted that, "after excessively penalizing events for everyone, from covid-19, the war, inflation and the price of energy", it understands that the sector should not "be the addition to possible social crises, caused by lack of basic necessities and even more reasons for further price increases".

"Opportunely we realized that well-oiled and streamlined supply chains are fundamental for growth, environmental, social and economic sustainability, and if we are all part of the supply chain, we must all have the necessary understanding of the importance we have in the process and we must all have a position more conciliatory", he defended.

"If the right to strike is a workers' right and that we understand, we also understand that we have the right to appeal to the common sense of all those involved in this process, from workers, port administrations and guardianship", concluded APAT.

The National Union of Port Administration Workers (SNTAP) called a multi-day strike, which began on December 22nd and runs until January 30th and covers ports on the mainland, Madeira and the Azores.