Labor unions step up strikes in Argentina and Uruguay

In Argentina, the Río Grande section of the Unión Obrera Metalúrgica (UOM) announced a deepened plan of struggle, including a strike and mobilisations scheduled for 5 August, citing a crisis in the local metal‑working industry and the threat of further layoffs. The union’s secretary‑general Oscar Martínez warned that production line closures jeopardise not only metalworkers but also contractors, logistics and maintenance staff.

Other Argentine unions also intensified actions: the FRESU outlined a new plan of struggle, while a coalition of sindicatos at the Luz y Fuerza meeting stressed the need for unity in defending workers’ rights.

In Uruguay, the brewery workers’ union SOEN declared a 48‑hour strike after alleging a “hidden closure” of the Cympay plant. Union leader Eduardo Alza warned that raw‑material silos were being emptied and that without barley the factory could not operate, demanding a clear timetable for re‑opening and extended unemployment insurance for affected workers.