The city government is troubleshooting an impending problem at the port of Dumaguete, to prevent a stand-off between union members and the new arrastre group.

Mayor Agustin Perdices said yesterday a port strike will add to the cost of goods in the market, because all shipments will have to be diverted to other ports in Negros Oriental, such as Bacong to the south and Sibulan in the northern side.

Increase in the prices of basic commodities was experienced the last time the port workers had a strike because shippers had to account for extra expenses.

Perdices said he would not want another strike to happen again in the city. He suggested that the winning arrastre group, the Prudential Brokerage and Customs Services Inc, absorb all the remaining 210 union members.*JG

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