Public Sector Workers Brace for New Evaluation Mandate
Next week, the Buenos Aires metropolitan area’s (AMBA) public sector workforce faces a controversial new requirement: mandatory suitability tests. The measure, spearheaded by Minister of Deregulation and National Transformation Federico Sturzenegger, will see approximately 40,000 employees undergo evaluations that have sparked heated debate.
Union Outcry Over “Censorship” and “Demonization”
Union leaders, including Daniel “Tano” Catalano, Secretary General of ATE Capital, fiercely criticize the newly implemented evaluations. Catalano, in a radio interview on Tuesday morning, challenged the rationale behind the exams, questioning why schools updates on qualified staff tests for public sector workers.
“Why do I need to take the qualifying exam now? Mathematics, logic, or text comprehension when I have passed through primary, secondary, and tertiary levels? Is my knowledge recognized?” Catalano questioned, demanding transparency regarding the exam’s creation.
“The truth is, this government is a waste of society. [Sandra] Petovillo is the worst public servant we have ever experienced, and she is running against Patricia Burridge in perverse ways,” he added, emphasizing his disapproval of the current administration’s actions.
Legal Action and Protests on the Horizon
In response to what they deem “censorship” and attempts at “demonization,” ATE has taken legal action through a protection request. They have also announced a 24-hour strike scheduled for November 5th. Additionally, the union will join forces with organizations like the two CTAs, SMATA, UTEP, and Rural Pastors in a mobilization at Plaza de Mayo. Their protests directly challenge decisions made by the administration of Javier Milei, which, according to INDEC, has led to 30,936 job losses in the public sector. Central Administration, Official Post Offices, ANSES, CONICET, and AYSA are among the most affected sectors.
Exam Details Spark Debate
The Public Evaluation System (SEP), created by the Ministry of Deregulation and National Transformation, will roll out the new assessments in phases. The first phase focuses on AMBA staff, who will face a multiple-choice exam consisting of 20 to 40 questions. While this applies to employees on precarious contracts, permanent staff, those living outside the AMBA region, or individuals with disabilities are exempt.
The government maintains these exams are not intended as a filter but rather a means for state employees to demonstrate their suitability for contract renewals. Those seeking to enter the public sector can also take the exam; however, passing does not automatically guarantee a job. Successful candidates receive a “suitability certificate,” which can be presented during job competitions or when openings arise.
The government underlines that those seeking to enter the public sector can also take the exam, though a passing grade doesn’t guarantee a job. Those who succeed, however, receive a “suitability certificate,” something they can utilize during job competitions or when positions become available.
Further Controversy Surrounds Exam Logistics
Adding to the controversy, details surrounding the exam’s logistics remain scarce. As the government previously outlined, employees will be assigned a time slot on a specific day. They are then expected to report to a determined location, where they will use a laptop or tablet provided to enter their pre-assigned password. Upon completion, they will receive their immediate updates on qualified staff tests for public sector workers.
Two versions of the exam exist: one for executives and another for professionals. Both assess reading comprehension, mathematical reasoning, and knowledge of public administration. The latter includes aspects like state constitutions, public morals laws, and electoral regulations.
According to Catalano, what are the motivations behind the government’s implementation of these tests?
## Public Employees Face New Tests, Unions Cry Foul
**[INTIRCIEW START]**
**HOST:** We’re joined today by Daniel “Tano” Catalano, Secretary General of ATE Capital, to discuss the upcoming mandatory suitability tests for public sector workers in the Buenos Aires metropolitan area. Mr. Catalano, thanks for joining us.
**CATALAN**: It’s a pleasure to be here, though frankly, it’s not a pleasure to be discussing this attack on public employees.
**HOST:** Let’s start with the basics. What can you tell us about these new tests and why are unions, including yours, protesting so vehemently?
**CATALAN**: This isn’t about evaluating skills or performance. This is a blatant attempt by Minister Sturzenegger and this administration to undermine and demonize public sector workers. 40,000 employees are facing exams on basic math, logic, and reading comprehension, even though they’ve already proven their qualifications through years of education and experience.
**HOST:** The government argues these tests are necessary to ensure a qualified workforce. What’s your response to that?
**CATALAN**: It’s pure political theater. They’ve already cut 30,000 public sector jobs under Milei’s administration – jobs that were essential to our communities. Now they’re trying to intimidate the remaining workers into submission with these unnecessary and insulting tests.
**HOST**: What specific actions is ATE taking against these evaluations?
**CATALAN**: We’ve filed a legal challenge, demanding transparency about the creation of these tests. We’ll also be striking for 24 hours on November 5th, and joining other unions in a massive mobilization at Plaza de Mayo. This government needs to understand that we will not be silenced. We will not stand idly by while they destroy the public sector.
**HOST**: Minister Sturzenegger emphasizes that this is about creating a more efficient and effective public service. Do you believe these tests fulfill this goal?
**CATALAN**: Not at all. This is about fear-mongering and scapegoating, not about improving public services. This administration is obsessed with deregulation and privatization. They want to dismantle the public sector altogether, and this is just another step in that direction.
**HOST**: Mr. Catalano, thank you for your time and for shedding light on this important issue.
**CATALAN**: My pleasure. It’s crucial for the public to understand what’s at stake here.
**[INTERVIEW END]**
