Dockers at Brazil's biggest port, Santos, have called off a threatened strike scheduled for Monday as a regional labor tribunal will examine their grievances over a pay deal this week, the union said.

    Vice president of the Sindaport union, Joao Andrade, told Reuters its members would meet after their complaint against the Planning Ministry is judged and consider a strike or other action if the outcome is unfavorable.

    Workers virtually shut down Santos port for 24 hours in November in protest at the Planning Ministry's refusal to endorse the union's agreement with Codesp, which included a pay rise and equal rates of overtime regardless of time served.

    Santos in southeastern Brazil is the biggest port in South America and the main exit route for the agricultural giant's coffee, sugar, soybeans and orange juice. It is also the main reception point for imported components and finished goods.

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