Spanish port workers call for more strikes

Dockworker labor strikes are scheduled to take place every other hour on Monday, Wednesday and Friday this week, and could continue into next week as well.    Spanish port workers have called for more strikes this week to protest against potential job losses in the wake of the Spanish ports reform, which was passed through parliament in mid-May, according to a report from Reuters news service.
   The ports reform aims to crack down on closed-shop hiring in a heavy unionized sector, placing the existing labor system at Spanish ports in accordance with European Union regulations.
   Dockers have decided to stop working every other hour on Monday, Wednesday and Friday this week.
   Some container shipping companies have rerouted cargo due to the strikes. Alternative destinations for shipping companies include Portugal, Morocco and Malta.
   In addition, five further days of industrial action have been called for next week.
   Maersk Line released information on measures various terminals in Spain will be taking due to these strikes.