Labor rights and industrial disputes in South America

Labor rights and worker wellbeing remain central to legal and social discussions in South America, characterized by ongoing disputes over union leadership, dismissals, and industrial actions.

In Argentina, legal rulings have addressed discriminatory terminations. A civil and commercial court in Córdoba ordered the Unión Obrera Metalúrgica de la República Argentina to pay approximately $17.5 million in damages to a former collaborator. Judge Alberto Julio Mayda ruled that her license was terminated due to discrimination regarding her gender and health, noting the dismissal occurred five months after a work-related accident while she was on medical leave.

Newer conflicts in Argentina involve mandatory conciliation and strikes. In Entre Ríos, the government ordered conciliation for Granja Tres Arroyos S. A. to address worker dismissals, though employees report being unable to access the plant. In Santa Fe, the Ministry of Labor extended conciliation for SAPEM, APJ GAS, and Pampa Energía, the latter regarding the closure of synthetic rubber production affecting roughly 130 jobs. Conversely, workers at Ingenio Ledesma reached a wage agreement for 2026-2027, including a 30% basic salary increase.

In Peru, Nathaly Fuentes, former general secretary of the Banco Ripley Workers' Union, is seeking reinstatement after her June dismissal. She alleges the termination was a retaliatory measure for reporting workplace hostility and attempting to force her to retract social media statements.

In Chile, industrial action continues as 88 workers at the Enaex Prillex plant in Mejillones maintain a legal strike over wage adjustments and bonuses, warning of operational risks to ammonium nitrate production.