Santos in southeastern Brazil is the biggest port in South America and the main exit route for the agricultural giant's coffee, sugar, soybeans and orange juice. It is also the main reception point for imported components and finished goods.
The union is demanding the Planning Ministry sign off on a pay agreement reached with the public port management company Codesp.
Codesp says the Planning Ministry, which has the final say on wages at the publicly owned port, rejected the pay increase that it negotiated with the union, leaving it powerless to act.
Workers held a one-day stoppage at the port in November in protest of the ministry's decision.
Sindaport said it expects the labor tribunal to examine their complaints by Dec. 14, which would be the third day of the strike if it proceeds. (Reuters)
