Workers at a biogas plant in González Catán are facing the closure of the plant and layoffs by the company Juan F. Secco. The reason provided by the company for the layoffs was the lack of gas, but the workers point out that it is actually due to the lack of investment to capture the methane gas produced by the waste treatment method in use in Argentina since the dictatorship.
Over five years, the employees fought against the company's and CEAMSE's assertion about the gas scarcity, presenting a bill for the plant to pass into the hands of the state and be controlled by the workers. However, in May of this year, the company closed the plant and dismissed seven employees, which goes against the supposed environmental interest they previously expressed.
The workers highlight that the closure of the plant not only affects jobs but also impacts the energy crisis facing the country, as the plant generated electricity for about 40 thousand people. They point out that the company continues with threats and labor flexibilization policies, putting workers' safety at risk.
Additionally, the workers denounce the release of methane gas into the environment due to the closure of the plant, despite the fact that it was previously captured and converted into electric energy. They emphasize the importance of reactivating the plant to prevent environmental contamination caused by the decomposition of waste in landfills.
Amidst the struggle for the reemployment of those dismissed and the reopening of the plant, the workers face obstacles from the Secco company and CEAMSE. Despite the complaints and demands, they seek to maintain their fight for the nationalization of the plant and the protection of the environment against the polluting practices of companies in the sector.