Metalfor proposes 70% workforce reduction amid financial crisis

Metalfor, an agricultural machinery manufacturer based in Marcos Juárez, has concluded a preventive crisis procedure with a proposal to reduce its workforce of approximately 600 employees by 70%. The proposal was rejected by the Unión Obrera Metalúrgica (UOM).

The company, which specializes in self-propelled sprayers and belongs to the Bertotto Boglione group, is reportedly facing significant financial difficulties, including salary delays and two bankruptcy petitions. Sources indicate the firm may seek to enter bankruptcy protection (concurso preventivo) and intends to downsize its staff before initiating that legal process.

While a voluntary retirement plan is currently in place, the company reportedly lacks the resources to fund the proposed payouts. Additionally, labor delegates have alleged that the firm intends to settle part of the severance payments using merchandise. Legal counsel for the UOM stated that the conclusion of the preventive crisis procedure does not automatically authorize the company to carry out dismissals based on force majeure.