Valle Viejo municipal workers threaten strike over salary and safety disputes

Municipal workers in Valle Viejo, Catamarca, are threatening a total strike following a rejected salary proposal from the local government. The Sindicato de Obreros y Empleados Municipales (SOEM) described the municipality's offer to incorporate a gradual increase of $2,000 into basic salaries as “totally insufficient.”

Union leader Eduardo Moya has raised several critical concerns regarding labor conditions, including the lack of proper work clothing, the absence of staff recategorization, and doubts regarding the functionality and transparency of the Workers' Compensation Insurance (ART). Moya noted that a municipal employee recently suffered an accident, highlighting potential gaps in workplace safety coverage.

The union is also addressing the situation of municipal retirees, who are reportedly receiving amounts below the legal minimum pension. SOEM is seeking intervention from ANSES to resolve these payments. The union has set a deadline for next Monday; if the municipality does not present a more realistic wage proposal, a full work stoppage will be implemented.