Municipal workers in Argentina and Paraguay protest over wages and debts

In Paraná, Argentina, the Asociación del Personal Superior (APS) held a demonstration at Plaza 1° de Mayo to demand the reopening of salary negotiations with Mayor Rosario Romer. Union leader Alejandra Levrand criticized recent wage increases, which she stated were decreed unilaterally rather than through collective bargaining. Levrand noted that the latest 3.5% increase brings the guaranteed minimum salary to 800,000 pesos, arguing that municipal workers are struggling to meet basic living costs and have not seen the fulfillment of agreements made in 2023.

In Asunción, Paraguay, protests occurred at the Municipalidad de Asunción involving retirees and members of the Municipal Fiscalization Police. Retirees are demanding the payment of owed benefits stipulated in collective bargaining agreements, while police officials are seeking overdue payments related to inspection benefits. Despite the Municipal Board approving a budget with increased salary expenditures, union representatives from Sifoma reported that many retirees have only received irregular, partial payments.