Even though the government said Monday that the Caribbean ports are working fine, Marco Vargas. minister of  Coordinación Interinstitucional, said that efforts will be made to have the type of slowdown practiced by union members there declared illegal.

But Vargas credited a visit to Limón over the weekend by Francisco Morales,, minister of Trabajo, as one reason the situation has become less of a crisis. Morales allowed union members and residents to see that the government was open to dialog, said Vargas.

Vargas also noted that the number of police placed on the two docks at Limón and Moín had been reduced. Nevertheless, the government wants to establish for all times that slowdowns are an illegal activity, he said, suggesting future court action.

The Fuerza Pública took over both ports early Sept. 28 when shipping became congested to the point of stalling.

The entry of the police ended the slowdown in Moín, although there still are job actions in Limón. Workers are seeking a pledge from the government not to privatize the port operations.