Catamarca municipal workers reject salary offers, threatening strikes

Municipal workers in Catamarca, Argentina, have rejected salary increase offers from the local governments of Capital and Valle Viejo. The Sindicato de Obreros y Empleados Municipales (SOEM) unanimously voted against a proposal of a 10% increase to be paid in three installments.

In the Capital municipality, led by Mayor Gustavo Saadi, the proposed 10% increase was scheduled in tranches of 4% in October, 3% in November, and 3% in December. The union's counterproposal demands a single 10% payment in August or September, followed by monthly adjustments based on the inflation index.

In Valle Viejo, under Mayor Susana Zenteno, workers described the official offer as ‘insulting,’ noting a significant gap between the proposed increase and the union's demand. Additionally, union representatives have raised concerns regarding the alleged suspension of Workers' Compensation Insurance (ART) services, leaving employees unprotected.

If no new offers are presented by Monday, the unions have threatened to initiate direct action and strikes, which could paralyze essential public services in the region.