The strategic port of Rosario was paralyzed today due to a new strike by oilseed workers' unions, who claim repression at a biodiesel plant. The Federation of Workers of the Oilseed Complex and the San Lorenzo Oil Workers and Employees Union launched a "National Oilseed Strike" after reporting that the Argentine Naval Prefecture repressed workers of the company Explora SA at Puerto San Martín.
According to the unions, the conflict was triggered by incidents at the company Explora, which is not directly related to the oilseed industry. Gustavo Idigoras, head of the CIARA and CEC chambers, accused the unions of trying to provoke conflict and mentioned a video in which union leaders are heard urging to paralyze the ports.
Despite the mandatory conciliation in force, factories and port terminals in the Rosario area were not operating, leading business chambers to report the situation to the Ministry of Labor. Amid this impasse, the business sector highlighted that it has ensured that no salary will be lost against inflation this year, urging the unions to resume dialogue and avoid further harm to the activity.
The paralysis of grain and oilseed plants has generated an impact on agro-exports, and the Argentine Oil Industry Chamber and the Center of Grain Exporters rejected the union measure. This conflict arises in a context of crisis for the sector, particularly marked by the situation of the company Vicentin, which faces financial difficulties and tensions with the unions due to partial salary payments in February.
