The State Workers' Association (ATE) expressed today its rejection of the conversion of Río Turbio Coalfields (YCRT) into a corporation, labeling this decision as incomprehensible. The union leader of state workers, Rodolfo Aguiar, warned that if this measure proceeds, it could provoke a public uprising, similar to previous situations.
"Similar attempts existed in the 90s and also in 2018, but they did not achieve their goal. We have consistently resisted proposals for privatization, dismantling, or fragmentation of the company, always keeping it operational," noted Aguiar, representative of about 2,200 workers in the region.
The national government formalized the transformation of YCRT into a corporation through a decree signed by President Javier Milei, Chief of Staff Guillermo Francos, and Minister of Economy Luis Caputo, published today in the Official Bulletin.
Aguiar highlighted the strategic importance of YCRT as an energy hub for the country's sovereignty, mentioning that the company drives the economy of three cities: 28 de Noviembre, Río Turbio, and Julia Dufour. For ATE, the government's decision aims at the disappearance of the coal basin, and continuing down this path could provoke demonstrations.
The union leader pointed out that "for a year, the officials of this government have hindered the functioning of the company. They are jeopardizing the future of the workers and these communities. It is necessary to guarantee the marketing of coal and to advance in energy generation definitively," concluded Aguiar.
