Salmon production line workers. (Photo: SalmonChile)

Two salmon companies sanctioned for anti-union practices

CHILE
Friday, August 10, 2012, 23:50 (GMT + 9)

Two salmon firms of Los Largos District have been listed together with other 36 companies that have been nationally sanctioned for anti-union practices, as it was released by the Department of Labour.

The firms are Salmonet SA and Cultivos Marinos Chiloé Ltda, companies which according to the regional labour director, Camila Jordán, will be excluded as providers of the public procurement system of the State for two years.

In addition, Salmonet will have to cancel a 100 UTM (tax units) fine for obstructing the functioning of the union.

And Cultivos Marinos Chiloé will have to pay 40 UTM for not carrying out the 75 per cent discount of union dues from workers who have been extended collective contract benefits, Radio Bío Bío reported.

These penalties are for violations of freedom of association, understood as the right associations have to form unions, associations, the official explained.

Labour's national director, Maria Cecilia Sánchez, clarified: "In this case the violations have been perpetrated against freedom of association, understood as the right associations have to form unions, for not interfering or not participating in union agreements, or else, as it has often happened, for dismissing workers who have labour jurisdiction rights."

"For us, as a Department of Labour, it is very important to enjoy freedom of association, and therefore, we promote it, as we do with union autonomy," added Sánchez.

She also called on employers, "since they must allow the existence of unions, and they should allow these unions to act autonomously and in no way can they fire a worker who has jurisdictional privilege."

The most sanctioned actions are:

• Illegal dismissal of workers with trade union privileges;
• Acts of interference, behaviour aimed at weakening the union and hampering the union operations;
• Harassment of union leaders and union members;
• Anti-union dismissal (for workers without immunity);
• Unfair practice in collective bargaining;
• Not providing the work agreed on to the worker with trade union privileges.

By Analia Murias
editorial@fis.com
www.fis.com

 SalmonChile - Asociación de la Industria del Salmón A.G

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