Port workers demanding higher wages and better working conditions have gone on strike.Correspondent Chadwick Weir brings us this update:Current operational status of the Port of Montevideo and TCPThe Port of Montevideo as a whole remains operational.The current strike action is specifically affecting Terminal Cuenca del Plata (TCP), the main container terminal in the port, rather than the port as a whole. The Uruguayan Ministry of Labour has also publicly distinguished the situation at TCP from the general operation of the Port of Montevideo.At TCP, however, operations remain severely restricted following an indefinite strike commenced by the TCP-NELSURY union. A minimum union guard has been maintained, allowing only limited activity at the terminal. According to TCP, this arrangement is insufficient to ensure normal operational continuity.Impact on vessel operations, cargo handling and congestionThe restrictions are currently affecting both vessel and landside operations.The minimum staffing arrangement reportedly permits only one vessel to be worked at a time, with a single crane gang and an estimated productivity of approximately 8–10 container moves per hour. The handling of empty containers is also reportedly restricted.There have also been significant delays affecting trucks accessing the port, with the transport sector reporting waiting times of up to approximately 18 hours in some cases.Vessels calling at TCP may face delays in berthing, cargo operations and completion of their scheduled port stay, depending on the availability of the limited labour resources and the particular operational requirements of each vessel.At present, we have no indication that dry bulk or general cargo operations throughout the Port of Montevideo have been suspended as a result of this dispute. The principal concern is therefore containerised cargo and operations directly connected with TCP.Alternative terminals / contingency arrangementsMontevideo has other port operators, inclu