Comodoro Rivadavia bus transition and wage dispute

The transition of the urban bus network in Comodoro Rivadavia has escalated into a financial dispute between the municipality and the former operator, Patagonia Argentina. Following the transfer of service to SolBus on 1 August, transport workers initiated a service stoppage due to unpaid wages and subsidies.

While 268 workers transitioned to SolBus, a total of 344 workers from the previous operator are reportedly owed salaries. The Unión Tranviarios Automotor (UTA) noted that while SolBus does not owe the staff money, the responsibility for arrears lies with Patagonia Argentina and the municipal government. Workers have planned mobilizations to demand payment and clarity for 75 drivers who have not yet been incorporated into the new company.

The Municipality of Comodoro Rivadavia maintains that salary responsibility lies solely with Patagonia Argentina. The local government reported making an exceptional payment of $1,000 million to the company as an advance on its final contractual liquidation, while also authorizing the retention of up to $980 million to safeguard worker wages. This process is pending formal liquidation documentation covering services through 31 July 2026.

Patagonia Argentina has contested these claims. In a statement signed by Jorge Moreno, the company accused the Municipality of failing to meet subsidy advance deadlines. The company argued that under local ordinance, an advance of approximately $2.49 billion was due by 6 August, and that current payroll difficulties stem from municipal administrative delays rather than mismanagement.