Fishing vessels moored at the port of Mar del Plata. (Photo: PescaCostera)

Strike continues, but negotiations with entrepreneurs are likely

ARGENTINA
Friday, June 29, 2012, 03:40 (GMT + 9)

The Maritime Union of Fishermen (Simape) rejected a new pay offer – a 22 per cent increase -- and the conflict continues in the port of Mar del Plata.

The negotiations were addressed by the mayor of that town in the province of Buenos Aires, Gustavo Pulti, who held two meetings with the National Labour Minister, Carlos Tomada.

The "final" proposal by the national government expressed to Simape by Pulti was the same as the one made to the Maritime Workers Union (SOMU).

"We think there are no other resorts," said the mayor, Infobae reported.

The wage increase of 22 per cent would be paid in two installments: 11 per cent in April and another 11 per cent increase in July.

In this regard, Pablo Trueba, Simape general secretary, said they do not agree on the new pay offer.

According to union leaders, an official of the Argentinean government left them the message that they "should accept the proposal, fix issues, call off the strike and get away from the port."

Meanwhile, President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner became publicly involved in the conflict and said that in Mar del Plata there has been a strike for three months because of a disagreement.

"We are helping 54 fishing companies with 3,080 workers. We have also reduced the export duties on certain species and, well, let’s see if you can find there is a poor or broken fishing entrepreneur. We are making a huge effort, all this costs money," the president stated.

Trueba observed that besides the 22 per cent increase from March, there were also other claims, La Capital reported.

Meanwhile, three chambers representing the fishing industry in Mar del Plata spread a strong statement about the plight faced by the sector, which decry the lack of support from the local mayor to the business sector.

The document is signed by the Argentinean Fisheries Business Council (CEPA), the Argentinean Chamber of Deep-Sea Fishing Vessels Owners and the Argentinean Chamber of Fisheries Industry (Caipa).

The entities criticized the "lack of concern" the mayor showed "about the economic and financial situation of the fishing enterprises." In addition, they described the strike declared by Simape as "irrational" and claimed that "it is maintained thanks to the violence and the political support" of the mayor of Mar del Plata.

Related article:

- ‘There is no security,’ fishing chambers warn

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

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