Photo: Revista Puerto/FIS

End of the Shirmp Crisis? Nationwide Sailor Pressure Accelerates Agreement with SOMU

ARGENTINA
Friday, August 01, 2025, 18:00 (GMT + 9)

After more than four months of conflict, negotiations intensified in the final hours, and an agreement has finally been sealed between the United Maritime Workers' Union (SOMU) and the fishing chambers CAPECA, CAPIP, and CEPA.

The news, celebrated in the business sector with the phrase "Habemus acuerdo" (We have an agreement), puts an end to a strike that has kept thousands of workers and the economy of several port cities on edge. As reported by Nelson Saldivia for Revista Puerto, the strong demand from sailors, who in assemblies across the country insisted on returning to work, was a key factor in getting the SOMU leadership to soften its stance.

Photo: Revista Puerto

The agreement establishes an approximate adjustment of 18%. This is composed of a 70% non-remunerated portion and a 9% reduction on the total pay slip, including production bonuses. While the SOMU leadership had initially proposed a more significant reduction, the final agreement represents a concession from both sides.

A Reduced Agreement with Hope for Recovery

The current dollar value will allow sailors to earn 18% more per trip than in 2024. Despite this, and although months of fishing and an estimated 60,000 tons of langostino have been lost, the agreement allows workers to rebuild their family finances in the two remaining months of the season (August and September).

Photo: Revista Puerto

In the business sector, the agreement is considered a "great achievement" not only because it allows them to resume activity and end the conflicts, but also because it has helped maintain unity among the chambers. Although the reduction is not what they had initially proposed, they are confident that the stock scarcity and the short time left in the season will push the price of langostino above $6, which would help them move out of negative profitability.

As part of the agreement, both parties have committed to continue discussing production values for the coming year, with the key difference that this time, negotiations will take place with the boats at sea. This is undoubtedly a point of celebration in the homes of all crew members and companies alike, and it lays the groundwork for a more sustainable future in the langostino industry.

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