All out strike hits casinos in Buenos Aires Province
All out strike hits casinos in Buenos Aires Province
Failed wage negotiations for casino workers led to an all-out strike in casinos on 6 a.m. on Friday the 13th until 6 a.m. on Saturday the 14th in the lead-up to Carnival weekend, in the Province of Buenos Aires.
The two unions representing the sector—the National Casino Employees Association (AECN) and the Union Association of Administrative, Maintenance, and Service Employees (AMS)—deemed the first proposal presented by the provincial government insufficient and warned that collective bargaining has essentially stalled.
According to the unions, the lack of an offer that would allow them to recover the purchasing power of their wages, coupled with the deterioration of working conditions, has pushed the conflict into a new phase. Both organizations decided to call a 24-hour total work stoppage as a result.
The unions argue that, after the government’s proposal was rejected, no further dialogue took place, leaving negotiations at a virtual standstill. “Without a concrete meeting, there is no alternative but to escalate our actions,” was the message conveyed by the union leadership.
The conflict has been escalating for over a month, when actions such as work-to-rule, disruption of strategic tasks in various areas, and protests in front of the Central Casino in Mar del Plata were already underway. With the confirmation of the general strike, the situation is even more tense and threatens to directly affect the operation of the provincial gaming halls.
The unions say that if there is no concrete meeting with a better offer, the conflict could deepen.
Earlier this month disgruntled employees met in front of the province’s gambling halls as negotiations between Buenos Aires provincial government employees and the administration of Governor Axel Kicillof deteriorated.
Union members argue that the lack of an updated agreement leaves Buenos Aires province public employees exposed to outdated working conditions and without a uniform standard of rights.
