BNamericas reported that a strike by workers at Colombian railroad service company Fenoco that began on March 25th has started to affect the local operations of US coal producer Drummond, which announced layoffs for 80% of its port employees.

Mr Orlando Acosta spokesperson for national Sintramienergética union said that "The company made the decision based on force majeure as a result of the stoppage by Fenoco employees."

It may be noted that roughly 600 workers from Fenoco, which transports coal for producers like Prodeco and Drummond, went on strike to demand that the companies recognize their union. As a result, the companies have some 2 million tonnes of coal waiting to be exported.

The employees on strike have blockaded the railroad where coal is moved from Magdalena department to Ciénaga port.

(Sourced from www.bnamericas.com)