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Two 'influencer' Argentine media outlets highlight events that herald a profound new union reality
A New Chapter in the Relationship Between Shipowners and SOMU After Two Key Developments
ARGENTINA
Wednesday, May 07, 2025, 00:10 (GMT + 9)
While the shrimp freezer fleet remains paralyzed, prompting Conarpesa to propose suspending union dues to supplement basic salaries, another vessel—the Marlene del Carmen—set sail, marking a turning point.
In an effort to mitigate the economic impact on workers affected by the standstill of the shrimp freezer fleet, the company Conarpesa submitted a direct proposal to the United Maritime Workers Union (SOMU) to temporarily suspend the deduction of union dues. According to Revista Puerto, the initiative aims to redirect those funds to supplement the basic wages of crew members as an "urgent relief measure."
.png) Like the Argentine Patagonian Chamber of the Fishing Industry (CAPIP), Conarpesa—although not part of any business chamber—sent a letter to SOMU with a similar tone. In the letter, the company proposed the “solidary suspension” of union contributions to support workers who, for nearly seven months, have only received their basic salaries. This situation stems from a labor dispute triggered by companies' proposal to cut production by 30%, citing the sector’s lack of profitability.
Conarpesa stated the need for the "temporary suspension of union dues deducted from the wages of seafaring personnel, given the current inactivity of the shrimp freezer fleet, which results from a significant increase in internal costs—especially labor-related ones."
The company stressed the severe impact of the inactivity on workers’ incomes, stating that they "do not receive full compensation due to the lack of activity." Therefore, Conarpesa proposed to the union leadership that "while labor conditions and costs are being redefined, these deductions be temporarily incorporated into net salaries as an urgent relief measure."
The letter, signed by Fernando Álvarez, who has maintained a tense relationship with SOMU since the conflict began, emphasized that "we understand this act of solidarity by the union aligns with the effort companies are making by maintaining wage commitments without production or revenue."
However, the proposal poses a challenge for union acceptance. A similar initiative might gain more traction if it came directly from the workers. For now, the conflict—which SOMU has not officially recognized—continues to keep the fleet docked, making an early start to the shrimp season in national waters increasingly unlikely and worsening the workers' economic hardship.
Private Agreement Between Company and Crew Sets Key Precedent in Argentine Fishing Sector
On Monday, May 5, 2025, a groundbreaking event occurred in the port of Mar del Plata, potentially redefining labor relations in Argentina’s fishing sector. The fishing vessel Marlene del Carmen set sail after the vessel owner and all eight crew members reached a direct labor agreement—without involvement from SOMU—according to Nelson Saldivia reporting for Parte de Pesca.
Despite heavy union pressure, the company and crew signed a “voluntary private agreement” that was formally submitted to the Argentine Naval Prefecture. With no legal impediments in place, the maritime authority authorized the vessel’s departure—setting a significant precedent: when a voluntary agreement is reached between parties, the Prefecture guarantees clearance.
The event had an immediate impact on the sector. Several companies began consulting their legal teams on the feasibility of replicating this model. HR departments across the industry reported receiving messages from seafarers willing to embark under similar agreements—even at 30% reduced production rates—in exchange for job security.
The case was particularly tense: the previous week, SOMU had blocked two attempted departures through intimidation, targeting even their own members who wanted to work. However, on Monday, the Prefecture actively intervened and, in the absence of legal obstacles, allowed the vessel to sail—despite union pressure.
.png) Luis Santander, owner of Marlene del Carmen, told Parte de Pesca that there was no court order: “The crew called me saying they wanted to go out, and I told them I wouldn’t request clearance without a signed agreement. We then signed individual agreements with each crew member where they accepted the conditions privately.”
SOMU labeled the crew as “scabs” and attempted to block the departure, but Prefecture operations ensured the vessel’s safe exit. This event, as reported by Nelson Saldivia, may mark the beginning of a new phase in the labor dynamics of the offshore fresh fish fleet.
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