UTA going on strike, no buses this Thursday: Why not join the national transit strike

2024-10-28 18:10:00

Automobile and Tramway Alliance (UTA) It was confirmed on Monday that a nationwide bus strike will take place next Thursday (October 31). Despite protests from the transport unions, UTA has decided not to participate in the national strike scheduled for Wednesday the 30th. What will happen to Neuquen and Rio Negro.

The measure comes after a major meeting between labor ministry unions and businessmen in the industry. UTA Secretary General Roberto Fernández tried to reach an agreement on the salary demands, but was unsuccessful.

UTA and Transport Union Strike: Why UTA Doesn’t Join the National Strike, What’s Happening in Neuquén and Rio Negro

in this case, UTA supports an additional 25% increase in requests retroactively to August. It is believed that the reduction in service frequency and overtime hours has severely affected the income of drivers, which currently averages 1,060,000 pesos.

Fernandez explained that the wage situation is grim; Reaffirmed the need for wage increases to compensate for accumulated losses from inflation and changes in working conditions.

The meeting was held at the Office of the Ministry of Labor in Buenos Aires, No satisfactory agreement could be reached between unions and business representatives. In Neuquén and Rio Negro they have not yet received information on compliance with national measures: there are questions about their implementation in services in the region.

With this measure, UTA aims to put pressure on businesses and governments to get a favorable response by the end of the year. However, the unions have also taken different stances on a general strike called by the National Transport Commission, which has sparked internal disputes and led to conflicting statements from leaders.

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Within the union, Teamsters leader and CGT co-president Pablo Moyano harshly criticized UTA’s decision not to join a national strike called by the National Transport Council on 30 October.. «All modes of transportation are included. According to reports, UTA is not stopping. “They will have their reasons and history will judge them,” Moyano said in a statement to Radio 10.

Moyano questioned whether some unions are choosing dialogue over confrontation, especially in the context of the current economic adjustment and rising rates for transportation services. Union leaders pledge “A large number of people are having a hard time”and stressed the need for unions to take a more active stance on government policies, referring to measures taken by President Javier Milley, which include reducing subsidies.

On Wednesday, different unions on the National Transport Commission are expected to go on strike in a bid to reject “Government-led adjustment”, This directly affects workers in all walks of life.

Among the complaints, the increase in transportation fares is the most prominent. Aerolineas Argentinas privatization plan, impact of new policies on retirees, rising poverty. The strike will affect key services such as trains, metros, airlines and taxi services, having a major impact on the travel of citizens across the country.

What is UTA’s position?

UTA explains The main goal of Thursday’s strike is to strengthen wage demands within the framework of negotiations with companies.

Fernandez insisted that bus drivers were experiencing an “unsustainable” situation and that the required 25% improvement must be implemented in the coming months, given that wages remain below cost of living increases. This difference in the UTA’s measure of strength in terms of a general strike has deepened mutual criticism in the union sphere and apparent divisions in relations between unions.

The government expects labor authorities to issue new calls in the coming weeks Resumption of dialogue with UTA representatives and business people, So far, they have been unable to agree on the union’s demands.

Fernandez said he expected Give a specific answer before 12 monthsthey expect the increased date to be implemented in line with the 25% requirement.

Javier Milley’s government faces union mobilization: what’s next

The impact of the two-day strike will be felt on the mobility of users across the country, who mustMost transport services will face strikes on Wednesday and buses will be disrupted on Thursday.

at the same time, UTA’s position favors a negotiating path independent of general measures, It remains a bone of contention within unionism, particularly among the sectors most critical of the government.

This backdrop creates tensions between unions and the state at a time when changes in the transport sector are having an impact on the pockets of workers and users. The next few days will be critical in observing the impact of these protestsThe extent of response the government can offer in the face of still potential wage claims.

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**Interview with Roberto Fernández, UTA Secretary General,‌ on Upcoming Strike⁣ and Union Dynamics**

**Editor:** Thank you​ for joining us today,⁤ Mr. Fernández. With the nationwide bus ⁣strike set for October 31, can you explain UTA’s⁣ decision not to participate in the national‍ strike scheduled for October 30?

**Roberto Fernández:** Thank you for having me. ⁢Our decision not to join the national strike on October 30 ‌was⁤ based on ⁤our ongoing negotiations for wage increases. We believe ⁤that focusing on the specific ‍needs of ‍our members ⁤in Neuquén and Rio Negro, particularly‌ concerning the ​proposed 25% salary increase, is more beneficial for our ‍drivers right now.

**Editor:** There has been a lot of discussion ⁣around the current economic situation affecting transport⁢ workers. Can you elaborate on the financial pressures facing bus drivers?

**Roberto Fernández:** Absolutely. Our drivers‍ are facing an unsustainable⁤ situation. ‍With ​their average income around 1,060,000⁣ pesos, the burden of inflation ⁢and changes in‍ working conditions have ⁣hit them hard.​ Our request for a 25% salary‍ increase, retroactive to August, is essential to mitigate‍ the losses they’ve experienced​ due to these economic pressures.

**Editor:** There’s been criticism, especially from leaders like Pablo Moyano, who ‌question your stance on the ‌national strike. How do you respond to that​ criticism?

**Roberto Fernández:** I ​respect‌ Mr. Moyano’s perspective, but our priority is to secure improvements for our⁣ members. The decision not to join the national strike was strategic, focused on our local negotiations rather than participating⁣ in broader ⁢protests that may ​not yield immediate results for our specific issues.

**Editor:** What impact ⁢do you foresee from the upcoming strike on services in Neuquén and Rio Negro?

**Roberto Fernández:** The⁣ strike on October 31 is designed to highlight our demands for better wages‍ and working conditions. While we are currently assessing how ​it will affect services ⁣specifically in Neuquén and Rio​ Negro, our aim is to ensure that we accomplish our goals without causing ⁤undue stress to the commuting public.

**Editor:** Lastly, what message do you hope ​to convey to both the government and the transport businesses regarding the ⁤current negotiations?

**Roberto Fernández:** We hope⁤ to‍ convey that the⁢ situation ‌for transport workers cannot continue as it is. We need to see concrete actions ‍from the businesses and the government to address our demands. The time for dialogue is now, ⁣and we expect a favorable‌ response soon as we continue our push for ⁤better⁣ wages for those who keep⁢ our transport systems running.

**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Mr. Fernández. We appreciate you taking the time to discuss this critical‍ issue with us.

**Roberto Fernández:** Thank you for having me. It’s vital to keep the ⁣conversation going about these issues ‌affecting our workforce and⁤ community at ‍large.

Address our specific concerns. We believe it’s important to maintain dialogue and pursue direct negotiations with businesses and the government tailored to our situation in Neuquén and Rio Negro.

**Editor:** Looking ahead, how do you see UTA’s strategy unfolding? Are there specific goals you hope to achieve with the upcoming strike on October 31?

**Roberto Fernández:** The primary goal of the strike on October 31 is to exert pressure for the implementation of the wage increase we’ve proposed. We want to ensure that our members are compensated fairly, and we’re working hard to communicate the urgency of this issue to both companies and the government. If we do not receive a satisfactory response by the end of the year, we may need to reassess our tactics—and that could involve more unified action with other unions in the future.

**Editor:** Given the divisions within the unions and various responses to the government’s economic policies, how do you view UTA’s relationship with other transport unions?

**Roberto Fernández:** It’s a challenging landscape. While there may be differences in approach and strategy among unions, we share a common goal of improving conditions for workers. My hope is that as we navigate these discussions, we can come together to advocate for the rights of all transport workers, regardless of our differing tactics. Solidarity is essential, but so is the focus on immediate needs specific to our members.

**Editor:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Mr. Fernández. We look forward to seeing how these developments unfold in the coming weeks.

**Roberto Fernández:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to keep these conversations going, as the well-being of our drivers and all transport workers is at stake.