The Automotive Tramway Union (UTA) stated that the struggle for a dignified salary remains unresolved, while the Government seeks to avoid a new escalation in the transportation conflict. Despite this, the companies DOTA, Metropol, and Misión Buenos Aires decided not to join the strike, allowing several lines to continue operating during the protest.
The national bus strike was lifted this Wednesday after completing 24 hours of protest, although UTA does not rule out future conflicts if they are not heard by the companies and officials. They indicated in a statement, "If necessary, we will deepen the measures if the companies and officials do not want to listen to us."
On Tuesday, negotiations took place between the union, business chambers, and representatives of the national Government, but no salary agreement was reached. UTA insists on its demand for a 40% increase, which they consider above the official guidelines set.
Amid the strike, there were moments of tension at the Pueyrredón Bridge, where drivers of line 148 were repressed by the Federal Police during an assembly, resulting in at least two arrests. From the business sector, Luciano Fusaro (AAETA) argued that they cannot grant increases if fares are not updated, as they have been frozen for nine months.
Meanwhile, the internal union showed divisions, as the national leadership of UTA denied the statements of Gabriel Gusso, who presented himself as union secretary and mentioned the possibility of an indefinite strike. UTA seeks to raise the basic salary from $1,200,000 to $1,700,000, against the staggered offer of 6% proposed by the chambers.
The conflict impacted more than 300 lines throughout the country and left millions of users without transportation. The situation remains unresolved, and it is expected that conversations will continue in the coming days.
