UPDATE 1-Brazil auditors strike threatens goods clearance, trade

(Adds union statement in paragraph 4)

By Ana Mano

Nov 28 (Reuters) – Brazilian federal auditors have started a nationwide strike over pay, according to a post on the union’s website warning that the action started on Tuesday would last indefinitely and include a protest in the capital Brasilia next week.

The mobilization, which worries traders of agricultural commodities, capital goods importers and shipping agencies, may affect cargo movement at ports such as Santos, Latin America’s largest. The auditors work at customs inspecting cargos and also determine taxes on imports and exports.

“The strike comes at a time when the country is facing several logistical problems and could further compromise Brazilian foreign trade,” said Santa Catarina-based law firm Martinelli Advogados. The firm noted some companies have been seeking legal measures to avert potential commercial and logistical delays.

Sindifisco Nacional, the union representing federal auditors, said in a statement that 30% of the workforce would continue to perform their functions. Clearance of priority cargos such as live animals, medicines, hazardous products and food would not be interrupted, as required by law. Other cargos may be affected, the union said, without elaborating.

“The auditors have been mobilized since July, demanding that the government opens salary talks,” the union’s website post said on Wednesday. Federal auditors plan to protest next Wednesday in front of Brazil’s finance ministry offices in Brasilia, the website added.

The ministry declined to comment.

The Santos Port Authority did not have an immediate comment.

Capital goods association Abimaq said on its website it is monitoring the situation.

(Reporting by Ana Mano; Editing by Rod Nickel)

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