Buenos Aires woke up to streets filled with garbage, and this troubling image may become a common sight. The issue stems from the Sindicato de Camioneros, which has initiated a work-to-rule action among waste collection workers. This protest is in response to allegations that the local government wants to take control of their jobs and alter their labor agreements, as stated by Pablo Moyano, the union’s deputy secretary.
Moyano clarified in an interview that “there isn’t a waste collection strike; rather, workers are adhering strictly to their regulations, with breaks limited to fifteen minutes.” He also pointed out the numerous irregularities in the waste collection companies operating in the city. He expressed concerns that it is outrageous for a street sweeper to pay income tax under the current conditions.
In a press release, the Sindicato de Camioneros announced its state of alert, mobilization, and strict adherence to the rules in the waste collection and street sweeping sector. They indicated that they are considering further actions to defend the dignity and rights of the workers. The union admitted on social media that their protest is fueled by poor vehicle conditions, adverse working conditions, and an attempt by the city government to take control of 300 tow truck drivers.
Underlying this conflict is the Moyano family’s dissatisfaction with the city government’s review process concerning the pre-award of the towing system, awarded during Horacio RodrÃguez Larreta’s tenure. Jorge Macri, the current chief of government, deemed the contract “overly expensive” and “scandalous.”
He explained, “We have a pre-award situation for the towing system in the city that certainly warrants review; it’s untenable.” While assuring that 350 truck drivers’ jobs would be secure, he questioned the union’s motives, suggesting they aim to protect their interests rather than those of the workers.
Last year, under the leadership of Larreta, the towing system was nationalized, resulting in 500 workers linked to the Moyanos from Dakota and BRD companies receiving severance payments of up to 4 million pesos and being transferred to SBASE, a government entity managing the subway, while AUSA (Urban Highways, Inc.) took over operations.
On another note, the review of the service currently under consideration involves three companies vying for a 10-year contract worth 57 billion pesos. One of these companies, Ashira-Ecoba SA, is reportedly suspected of having ties to the Sindicato de Camioneros, potentially explaining the Moyanos’ heightened response in a conflict-free area like waste collection.
The tensions over the towing system began two years ago when the local government sought to nationalize the service amid irregularities in which both Dakota and BRD had their concessions expired for two decades, yet they only paid a monthly fee of 55,000 pesos while generating millions daily.
In light of the impending nationalization, the Sindicato de Camioneros threatened to escalate their confrontation with Larreta’s administration for “attempting to undermine” the salaries of the 500 workers involved in towing and removing services, advocating to maintain their collective agreement.
The pressure from the union yielded results: in September 2022, an agreement was made that ensured the 500 workers from Dakota and BRD would transfer to SBASE while keeping their current collective agreement until the bidding company assumes responsibility for the service.
However, the negotiated peace came at a significant cost. Each of the 500 workers received severance payments of up to 4 million pesos under what is known as the “Ley Moyano,” a controversial practice that the union has leveraged since 1998. This law dictates that when service contracts are awarded or companies change ownership, laid-off workers must be compensated, then rehired.
The call for the “Ley Moyano” resurfaced in June when Pablo Moyano issued a threat: “In October, when the waste collection contract expires, Buenos Aires city companies will have to pay severance.” Yet, the local government viewed this as an intimidation tactic since contracts were extended to 2028.
As this conflict unfolds, the sanitation crisis in Buenos Aires looms larger, potentially affecting residents and the city’s overall cleanliness.
Image and News Source: https://www.infobae.com/politica/2024/07/22/una-protesta-de-camioneros-afecta-la-recoleccion-en-caba-y-se-acumula-la-basura-en-las-calles/
