Vaca Muerta companies and unions demand dialogue over Halliburton cost cuts

Companies and labor unions in the Vaca Muerta region are demanding dialogue following a request from Halliburton Argentina for suppliers to implement a 23% reduction in current contract values. The proposed reduction is intended to cover the period between August and December 2026.

The Federation of Energy Sector Chambers of Neuquén (FECENE) and the Chamber of Companies, Industry, and Services of Añelo (CEISA) expressed strong opposition to the measure, stating it was communicated without prior negotiation. These entities warned that such a significant cost reduction could jeopardize the financial stability of local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), potentially impacting their ability to maintain investments, technology, safety standards, and employment.

The Private Oil and Gas Union of Neuquén, Río Negro, and La Pampa has also placed the situation on alert. General Secretary Marcelo Rucci criticized the unilateral decision, noting that it could disproportionately affect regional companies with less financial capacity to absorb the cuts and could lead to negative labor impacts.