Buenos Aires Train Service Faces Slowdown as Union Demands Safety Improvements
Trains operating at speeds up to 30 kilometers per hour will continue until noon on Tuesday
Commuters in the Buenos Aires metropolitan area are facing significant travel disruptions as the Brotherhood Alliance, a railway workers union, implemented “work-to-rule” measures, citing safety concerns. This action, which began on Monday, involves enforcing a strict speed limit of 30 kilometers per hour.
The union claims this measure is necessary due to the state of disrepair on the rail lines, emphasizing the urgent need for “better security conditions” and stating they are facing “one of the system’s gravest crises.”
Frustration Mounts as Delays and Cancellations Ripple Across Network
The slowdowns are causing widespread frustration, leading to delays and cancellations across all routes. Dissatisfied passengers gathered at terminals, grumbling not only about the delays but also about the agonizingly slow journey times as trains crawl along the tracks at reduced speeds.
“Attention passengers. We are facing one of our worst rail crises,” the union stated. “Our trains are in dire need of repair. Roads must be engineered for safety and comfort. Communications and signaling systems must be updated.”
The union has stated these safety measures will continue until noon on Tuesday.
Government Accuses Union of “Blackmail”\
The National Government has labeled the union’s actions as “blackmail,” suggesting the move is a negotiating tactic aimed at securing a higher pay increase “than those signed with other rail unions.” Government officials pointed to the fact that an agreement with 80% of the railways had already been reached, resulting in a 3.5% wage increase for November and December.
They further assert that the specific measure of reducing train speed is the most bothersome aspect of the union’s tactic.
“This government will not succumb to the blackmail of trade unions and subject people to their demands in order not to lose their interests,” the source added.
The government acknowledged the railway system is indeed in a state of emergency, stating they had declared an emergency in May and allocated an additional 1.3 billion pesos to address the issue. However, they suggest the current crisis is a result of decades of inadequate investment in track maintenance, signaling, and spare parts.
“This ‘state of disaster,’ as they say, happened many years ago,” a government source noted. “It’s also a product of administration by governments that didn’t invest in track, signaling or railway spare parts in order to allocate resources to political propaganda efforts.
The government also highlighted that the Brotherhood Secretary General, Omar Maturano, whose own union is represented in the government of Alberto Fernández, had served as the former deputy minister of rail transport. Agustín Special, a union member, held this position for four years, overseeing an area where operational safety should have been paramount.
What are the potential long-term consequences of the ongoing railway disruptions for commuters and the economy of Buenos Aires?
## Buenos Aires Train Disruptions: A Conversation with Alex Reed, Transportation Expert
**Interviewer:** We’re hearing reports of major disruptions on Buenos Aires train lines this week. What’s going on, and what’s causing the chaos?
**Alex Reed:**
The Brotherhood Alliance, a railway workers union, has initiated a “work-to-rule” action citing serious safety concerns across the rail network. Essentially, they are enforcing a strict speed limit of 30 kilometers per hour, which has led to widespread delays and cancellations, causing frustration for commuters throughout the Greater Buenos Aires area.
**Interviewer:** 30 kilometers per hour is extremely slow for a train. What specific safety issues are prompting this drastic action?
**Alex Reed:** The union is calling the current situation “one of the system’s gravest crises,” highlighting the dire need for “better security conditions.” They point to the dilapidated condition of the rail lines and outdated communication and signaling systems as major concerns. They argue that these issues pose a serious risk to both passengers and railway workers.
**Interviewer:** How long can commuters expect these disruptions to last?
**Alex Reed:** While the union’s “work-to-rule” action began on Monday, it’s unclear how long it will continue. It’s likely that negotiations between the union and the relevant authorities will determine the duration. Hopefully, a solution can be found swiftly to address the safety concerns and minimize the impact on commuters.
**Interviewer:** This slowdown comes just weeks after a major train collision in Buenos Aires [[1](https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/sixty-injured-in-buenos-aires-train-collision-1.6881786)]Is there a connection between the two events?
**Alex Reed**: It’s certainly possible that the recent collision has heightened awareness regarding safety issues on the rail network, potentially contributing to the current union action.
