In April 1997, the Sao Paolo Steel Company COSIPA obtained legal authority to employ non-union contract labour to handle cargo at their terminal. Dockers occupied two ships and the judge granted COSIPA's request for intervention by the Army.
As the confrontation exploded, the Santos Port Unions web site carried daily reports. LabourNet produced English and Spanish translations and world-wide protests reached Brazilian President Cardoso. As messages of support arrived at the Unions e-mail address, COSIPA's web site invited comments on "any doubts or suggestions" concerning its "new venture to cross the threshold of Globalisation".
Santos Port Unions