The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) and the Argentine Confederation of Transport Workers (CATT) reaffirmed their stance against "any policy" aimed at deregulating National Highway Administration and requested the government to guarantee the continuity of all jobs.
ITF Americas, led by Edgar Diaz, Regional Secretary, sent a letter to the Ministry of Deregulation and State Transformation expressing their concern regarding this matter and manifesting their support for the Union of Road Workers and Related of the Argentine Republic (STVyARA), affiliated with the federation and led by Graciela Aleñá.
In the communication, there was a warning about the repeal of Law No. 505, which establishes the National Highway Administration as an autonomous entity, which could strip it of its functions and budget, passing it under the orbit of the National State. According to the union, this would leave the country vulnerable and isolated, representing a serious setback against growth and innovation.
The ITF highlighted the crucial importance of the National Highway Administration beyond road safety, pointing out its vital role in the connectivity of cities across the country, as well as its work in contingency plans against landslides, the Winter Plan in Patagonia and the Andes, and as the first line of defense against fires.
The Argentine Confederation of Transport Workers (CATT) expressed solidarity with the workers of the National Highway Administration, vehemently rejecting the possible deregulation of the agency proposed by the national government through the repeal of Law No. 505.
From CATT, through a press release signed by Juan Carlos Schmid and Juan Pablo Brey, they expressed the demand to immediately suspend any measures aimed at deregulating or privatizing the National Highway Administration, maintaining its autonomy, own budget, and respecting the labor rights of its employees.
Furthermore, the organization urged to open a public and transparent debate about the future of the National Highway Administration, with the active participation of workers, civil society, and experts, ensuring that any decision related to the National Highway Administration benefits the Argentine people and does not serve private interests.
