After the 24 hours strike that closed Bahia Blanca port and stop 70% of the chemical manufacturing in Argentina, the companies went back to the bargaining table and agreed to most of the unions demands. Retroactive to March, all workers in the chemical industry in Bahia Blanca from permanent workers in large plants like Dow to workers of contractors will receive a minimum salary of $2,500 pesos per month (in many cases this is a wage increase of between 35% and 40%). Al other workers (the ones that make more than $2,500) will get a 18.5% increase.
The HR person from DOW talked to the media saying that “they are sorry the union has chosen this style of bargaining; they hope it will no be used in the future; they will like dialogue instead of confrontation.” He also said that DOW is in Argentina to “built and not to destroy.” I assume the union mobilizing their members to improve their standard of living is considered by DOW similar to destruction.
The Union is quite satisfied with the results for several reasons. First, it shows that unity works. Second, it shows solidarity from the better paid workers with lower paid workers and from regular workers to contracted out workers. Third, it shows that workers could confront the “crisis argument” presented by the companies and fight to ensure that workers are not the ones paying for that crisis.
Next April they are going to bargain again for next year wages.
The HR person from DOW talked to the media saying that “they are sorry the union has chosen this style of bargaining; they hope it will no be used in the future; they will like dialogue instead of confrontation.” He also said that DOW is in Argentina to “built and not to destroy.” I assume the union mobilizing their members to improve their standard of living is considered by DOW similar to destruction.
The Union is quite satisfied with the results for several reasons. First, it shows that unity works. Second, it shows solidarity from the better paid workers with lower paid workers and from regular workers to contracted out workers. Third, it shows that workers could confront the “crisis argument” presented by the companies and fight to ensure that workers are not the ones paying for that crisis.
Next April they are going to bargain again for next year wages.
No comments:
Post a Comment