In a surprise move, custom officers in Chile went on strike earlier this week over staffing issues, working hours and retirement benefits, a trade union representing the workers explained.

Chilean border posts are feeling the pinch of the strike action by the National Association of Customs Officers (ANFACH). The strike began early Tuesday morning, causing disruption for thousands of those passing through border check points, ports, airports and freight terminals.

Motorists, truck drivers and general users endured traffic jams for prolonged hours.

At Chile's major border with Peru, those hoping to travel to the northern city of Arica were experiencing delays of up to seven hours coupled with lines more than 200 meters long.

At the southern border crossing of Liucura and Puesco in the region of La Araucania, customs officials were only attending to vehicles containing pregnant women, hospital staff and children.

The union demands that the government fulfil its promise of providing an extra 250 officers around entry ports and airports, and is also asking for increased retirement benefits.

Union officials also argue that working hours should be reduced, as the average Chilean customs officer is made to work an extra 150 hours per month on top of the 192 hours per months that they are contracted to work.

Union leaders are adamant about extending the strike for a further 24 hours, until today, Thursday, if terms are not met.

A spokesman for ANFACH signaled that they would strengthen measures to ensure that all its employees at Chile's borders, airports and ports remained functional and carried out their duties effectively. Furthermore, he said ANFACH would not allow striking officers to blockade border check points or jeopardize travelers entering or leaving the country.

Political analysts do not expect the strike to last very long, as previous strikes by customs workers have been short-lived.