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A number of Rawson fleet vessels may be heading out to sea in the days to come. (Photo: Rawson Govt)
Preliminary agreement struck in Chubut dispute
ARGENTINA
Friday, January 08, 2010, 23:40 (GMT + 9)
The workers of the Syndicate of United Maritime Workers (SOMU) and the executives of the yellow fleet of Chubut have reached an agreement following a two-month strike, which will make it possible for some Rawson port vessels to set sail over the next few days.
In an assembly held this past Wednesday 6 January, where more than 160 workers participated, the union resolved to accept the proposal presented by the executives, namely, ARS 11 per kilogram (approximately USD 2.9) of shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri) and a 28 per cent increase in wages.
The SOMU delegate in Rawson, Ricardo Soto, contended that although all their demands were not met, the terms constituted a major advance in terms of the ARS 8 (USD 2.1) they have been paid per box until now.
Although some workers insisted on reaching ARS 12 per kilo (USD 3.15) and a 30 per cent wage increase, the leader explained that they decided to take into consideration the state “of their mates most in need” and the fact that there are more than 200 families that make their living from these jobs.
The assembly accepted the offer by majority, the unionist added, with the commitment to continue negotiating the 19 per cent they are discounted, for which they hope to count on the support of the union headquartered in Buenos Aires, Diario El Chubut reports.
He also admitted that the adjustment includes only some companies. Initially, of the 78 vessels of the fleet, only five companies and five vessels were willing to sign . However, the rest are expected to come onboard.
As the companies sign, their vessels will venture out to fish. Nonetheless, the lack of willingness on part of the most important companies was seen as a disappointment. The same “are those that are taking all the capital out of the province and the country, and the toughest to sign,” Soto claimed.
The SOMU official explained that they will count on assessments in the wharf to supervise the amount of shrimp captured. They will weigh between six and ten boxes in order to determine the total landing weight average. If some vessels resist the weigh-in, the fish will not be unloaded.
Finally, Soto clarified that although the strike was lifted, they will continue working to obtain a more favourable agreement and “to arrive at that concentrating market that was spoken of at one time.” In addition, the protest for the Fisheries Law favoured only by the executives continues, he said.
Related article:
- Wage conflict paralyses Rawson Port
By Silvina Corniola
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www.seafood.media
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