Argentina's fruit packers join growers in national strike

Argentina’s fruit packers have gone on strike following the Fruit Union’s failure to reach a salary agreement with the National Ministry of Employment, according to local daily Río Negro.

Employees began the blockade of warehouses and refrigeration facilities on Jan. 17, joining a chorus of dissent in Argentina’s fruit industry after growers blockaded roads the previous week in Río Negro and Neuquén.

The union’s secretary general Rubén López told Río Negro that companies had suspended many workers on the grounds that strike activity generates uncertainty.

“All the delegates have the order to set the blockade, they are already organized and it will be for an indefinite timeframe,” he was quoted as saying.

He said some companies have recognized the salary values requested by the union and are seeking arrangements with employees.

One union delegate told Río Negro that while some employees weren’t complying with the strike arrangement, the majority are willing to carry out the campaign.

“Here we win everything or we win nothing,” one worker was quoted as saying.

Photo: www.inta.gov.ar

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com