Santa Fe municipal workers union UTRAM stages transit shutdown over labour dispute

The Union of Municipal Workers (UTRAM) in Santa Fe, Argentina, halted traffic on Avenida Peñaloza, burning vehicle covers to protest alleged breaches of the July collective‑bargaining agreement. Union leader Alberto Sosa said the protest demanded payment of supplements, proper job categories, permanent plant positions, and equal treatment compared with other municipal unions. The strike also highlighted disparities in overtime pay – some members receiving 80‑100 extra hours while others get only 10‑15 – and called for regularisation of staff at the Derqui water‑management base, citing the need for storm‑drain maintenance ahead of the El Niño season.

Following a meeting between UTRAM representatives and Santa Fe municipal officials, the union suspended further actions for the afternoon. Negotiators agreed to send resources and improve overtime handling, but key issues remain pending, including the permanent‑plant request for a Derqui worker and possible retroactive payment via decree. Both sides said talks will continue in the coming days to reach a final settlement.