The Union of Motor Tram Drivers (UTA) rejected this Monday the latest salary offer and confirmed a 24-hour strike for Tuesday, May 6, across the country. More than 300 short and medium-distance lines will be affected by this measure. The union's demand is for a basic salary of $1,700,000, significantly above what was proposed by the business chambers.
The negotiation, which took place virtually throughout the day with the participation of various chambers such as FATAP, AAETA, CEAP, CETUBA, CTPBA, and CEUTUPBA, did not reach an agreement. The latest offer included a salary of $1,240,000 plus $50,000 non-remunerative for May, $1,270,000 plus $50,000 non-remunerative for June, and $1,310,000 for July.
In response to the rejection of the salary offer, UTA decided to call for a strike that will affect 103 lines under national jurisdiction in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires, 31 in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, and 102 in the Province of Buenos Aires. Additionally, the possibility of applying Resolution 212 was mentioned, which includes deducting the daily subsidy and evaluating the continuation of the operating permit.
In a statement issued by the Government, the strike was characterized as "extortionate" and a warning was issued about taking "passengers as hostages." Despite this, it was highlighted that more than 50% of the companies would not comply with the measure, including Metropol and DOTA, which will guarantee the continuity of their services. The Government also announced that compliance with minimum services would be verified and actions taken against those lines that do not comply.
In a turn of events, the Ministry of Labor withdrew from the discussion upon perceiving a lack of willingness to reach an agreement between the parties. Meanwhile, line 148 conducted a mobilization in front of the UTA headquarters in Balvanera, where incidents occurred with eggs thrown at the building as a sign of rejection of the union's leadership. This protest also highlighted criticisms towards UTA for not joining the general strike of the CGT on April 10.
