Marcelo Rucci, secretary general of the Private Oil Workers Union of Río Negro, Neuquén, and La Pampa, expressed his opposition to the recent decision made by the Environment Secretariat of Neuquén to eliminate the mandatory use of oil-absorbent blankets at oil sites. Rucci voiced his concern about the consequences for both the environment and the workers who depend on this activity.
In an interview, Rucci questioned the motivations behind this measure, pointing out that the secretary of the Environment was not in the country at the time the decision was made. The union leader warned that if this resolution is not rectified, the union will take measures in response.
Rucci also reflected on the environmental impact in the province of Neuquén, describing the elimination of oil-absorbent blankets as an environmental and social regression. He emphasized that these tools are key to mitigating environmental impact and criticized the decision to revert to harmful practices from the past.
The union leader alerted about the labor impact that this measure could have, putting at risk more than 500 families who directly depend on the oil-absorbent blankets. Rucci emphasized that the resolution only benefits the producing companies, without considering the environment or the workers.
Moreover, Rucci criticized the lack of planning by the authorities in case of the closure of oil-absorbent blanket companies, highlighting the importance of considering the social impact of these decisions. He called on provincial authorities to reconsider this measure and reverse the situation.
In a legal action presented by representatives of an affected company, it is argued that the Environment Secretariat lacks the authority to modify environmental regulations related to hydrocarbon activities. Rucci expressed his concern about the lack of planning and the violation of administrative hierarchy principles in the issuance of this resolution.
