Epco Signs Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2029

The Empresa Portuaria Coquimbo (Epco) reached a collective bargaining agreement that will be valid for the period 2026-2029. The agreement was approved with the support of nearly 95% of unionized workers and incorporates various benefits and improvements regarding permits, facilities, and working conditions.

According to the state-owned company, the parties managed to advance in a regulated negotiation process, based on dialogue, good faith, and the search for common ground, which allowed for a satisfactory agreement for both parties.

The process was led by the president of the company's union, Rocío Rojas, who participated in various dialogue instances with the workers and with the general management, aimed at addressing the main needs and improvement opportunities raised during the negotiation.

"As a union, we value having achieved an agreement through dialogue, incorporating improvements in permits, facilities, and working conditions that will have a positive impact on the quality of life of our members and their families. We especially appreciate the trust, unity, and commitment demonstrated by our members throughout this process. We hope that this agreement will continue to strengthen dialogue, trust, and the recognition of workers as a fundamental part of the development of Empresa Portuaria Coquimbo," said Rojas.

For his part, the general manager of Empresa Portuaria Coquimbo, Ernesto Piwonka, highlighted that "after many conversations, consultations, and reviews, we managed to reach an agreement thanks to the good faith and commitment of both parties to seek common ground and understand the counterparty's position within the possibilities, which is why I value and appreciate the good disposition and long-term vision of the workers, leaders, and directors. With this negotiation agreement, we also mark an important milestone, being the first state-owned port company to achieve this type of agreement under current conditions."

The state-owned company emphasized that the new agreement establishes benefits for unionized workers and represents an advancement in the company's labor relations, strengthening spaces for dialogue and collaboration between the union organization and the administration.