Casino workers continue to demand better salaries in Buenos Aires Province
Casino workers continue to demand better salaries in Buenos Aires Province
Casino workers in Buenos Aires province took to the streets last week as tensions continue to rise over salaries.
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.
According to the Association of Administrative, Maintenance, and Service Employees ( AMS), the protests will escalate if there is no official response.
“We will not negotiate with indifference nor tolerate delays: our patience has run out, ” the Association stated. The workers pointed directly to the provincial government as being responsible for resolving the conflict.
State employees in the province are demanding an urgent adjustment to address the impact of inflation and the equalization of their compensatory bonus with that of the Employees’ Fund.
In addition they are demanding definitions regarding the modernization process of the casino buildings and facilities, with the effective implementation of digital payment systems and the opening of a regulatory framework that guarantees their participation in online gambling, without loss of jobs or acquired rights.
Union members argue that the lack of an updated agreement leaves Buenos Aires province public employees exposed to outdated working conditions and without a uniform standard of rights.
The list of demands also includes a request to raise the productivity bonus from 8% to 12%, the prioritization of strategic areas that are currently undervalued, and the readjustment of the relocation allowance for those who work in casinos located in tourist areas, where the cost of living has a significant impact on salaries.
Earlier last month workers at Buenos Aires Province casinos rejected the salary proposal presented by Governor Axel Kicillof and are now waiting for a new offer that could help break the deadlock in negotiations.
From the union it was emphasized that the offer fails to restore wages in key areas vital for the daily operations of casinos, such as Administration, Maintenance, Services, Technical, and Labour sectors.The rejection adds to a wave of refusals that have affected nearly all state unions in the province.
