What changed
2026-08-11 12:54 UTC → 2026-08-18 12:56 UTC ·
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Comodoro Rivadavia bus service transition and labor wage dispute
In Comodoro Rivadavia, The transition of the urban bus network underwent in Comodoro Rivadavia has escalated into a major transition as financial dispute between the long-term municipality and the former operator, Patagonia Argentina, ended its 50-year Argentina. Following the transfer of service to SolBus on 1 August. The municipal government transferred the concession to a new operator, SolBus. Following the transition, August, transport workers initiated a service stoppage due to unpaid wages. wages and subsidies. While 268 workers moved transitioned to SolBus, they reported outstanding salaries and subsidies. a total of 344 workers from the previous operator are reportedly owed salaries. The Unión Tranviarios Automotor (UTA) stated noted that the new operator while SolBus does not owe the staff money, instead placing the responsibility for the arrears on the former operator, lies with Patagonia Argentina, Argentina and the municipal government. Workers have planned mobilizations to demand payment and clarity regarding the status of 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.