Strike that began more than a week ago in Colombia hasparalyzed the railway that carries much of the nation's coal exports. Colombiais South America's No. 1 coal exporter.
The president of rail operator Feneco says trains normally move about 160,000tons a day of coal on the line to the Caribbean port of Santa Marta. PeterBurrowes says that is 60 percent of Colombia's coal exports and companiesaffected since the strike began July 23 include Swiss-based GlencoreInternational PLC and U.S.-based Drummond Co. Inc.
Union leader Felix Herrera says strikers want raises of at least 15 percent andreinstatement of 30 workers fired during a 2009 strike. He says the 300striking workers earn an average of about $550 a month.