The giant Tres Arroyos wanted to hear the massive mobilization last Sunday that burst Ramírez square. At the audience on Monday he returned to the load with his preventive of “trout” crisis (the business is growing) and the blackmail of fire 400 workers if he did not accept it. He added as an argument that if there was no agreement he would close the plant for a month, without salary enjoyment. Business terrorism, illegal. The Millionaire of Grazia acknowledges that “to gain competitiveness”, its workers have to accept salary sales, flexibility and layoffs (or “volunteer” retreats). One of the most scandalous things is the shameless conviction of the Grazia businessman of “buying that acquired right.” According to the proposal, each worker has to accept that 9% cut (which the company is already discounting), or initiate “individual claims”. For those who do not accept, they will want to impose a “voluntary retreat.”
The audience continued with a second “proposal” that the company never wanted to put in writing, which involved “withdrawing” a part of the discount to presentism and some changes in working conditions and maintained the essential. He would also commit not to fire or change conditions for one year, and would include the reinstatement of the 80 dismissed, but many workers suspect because the company has breached many commitments and laws.
The Ministry of Labor of the Nation (in the hands of Techint and Pettovello) is complicit in blackmail. He wants that “labor reform” to be signed and the salary adjustment in tune with the government’s policy. That is why he did not sanction the company that has been violating the conciliation, does not pay the fortnights and wants to impose a renunciation of their rights, something unconstitutional.
At the Audience on Monday, where the Food Federation (Green List) was also present, there was no agreement. The union and the delegates did not sign. But the company and the ministry put conditions: that they bring an answer in 48 hours and that they vote “individually and secretly by urn.” It is as if the workers told the government or the company as they must choose their authorities or make their decisions.
The Assembly
The Assembly was convened by the union in a room ceded by the Municipality. There, about 650 workers attended, in many cases accompanied by their families.
It began with the interventions of many workers. Many of them insisted on rejecting the imposition of the company. “It’s not just forward, it’s because of our children behind, I don’t want them to be slaves,” said one of the most applauded. “We are not going to sell our rights.” But there were also criticism of the voting method. “They can’t impose them,” “If we always vote raising our hands, why are we going to make it different?” There were also workers who spoke to say that they continued to support the fight but preferred that there is no dismissal even if they cut their salary. That is the good thing about the assemblies also: the debate for all their classmates. Everyone, beyond their positions, said that “whatever happens Gurises we will continue to fight together.” As well as they stressed that “Sunday’s march was a historical support” of the people of Concepción del Uruguay to the workers and that he gave forces “to continue with the fight.”
The Secretary Gneral Miguel Klemmer and Dr Garin, lawyer of the union, insisted that the voting method “is part of the conditions with which we commit ourselves.”
Finally, the vote was carried out, with that framework of the fear that the company sought to impose. After several hours and with an important participation of 630 workers, the election was practically a draw: the SI won by 28 votes, they reported. It could not be an official report of the result. An important sector of workers and women rebuked the Secretary General because they claimed that the pressures and maneuvers had led to that result. After an hour he retired escorted by the provincial police that was present at the scene. The mood had walked.
The activism and hundreds of workers who were still in the place had been deliberating. They demanded that the minutes be annulled and hold a new assembly.
As follows?
At 2 pm today, Wednesday 26, the hearing is held at the Ministry of Labor. Union sources say that the local union will be present and sign the “Framework Agreement.”
Today is a key day, you have to see what the audience defines. But the history of GTA workers and their families has already changed. They are giving an exemplary struggle, making a great experience of resistance and organization, seeing how trade union conductions, the State, companies act.
This, together with the enormous solidarity they achieved in the mobilizations, such as Sunday’s historical march, the key role of women and the sympathy of workers in the region, is a fact that no one can erase.
That is why it is important to continue supporting the workers and families of Tres Arroyos, in the defense of their rights and against the employer arrogance, so that they can continue standing as an example for the working people.
Source: www.laizquierdadiario.com
