The Confederation of Trade Union Associations of the Food Industry (CASIA) today rejected the labor reform promoted by the government, and warned that "it is false that competitiveness is achieved through wage reduction or labor precariousness".
They stated that Argentina "needs entrepreneurs who invest in equipment, innovation, and training, and who reinvest part of their profits to strengthen efficient and sustainable production".
"Precariousness of labor and salary conditions not only deteriorates production systems but also leads to poverty and social disintegration," they warned in a document.
In this context, they defend "collective bargaining by branch and/or industry" as a central instrument of social dialogue and decent working conditions, instead of company agreements that the libertarian management would seek to establish.
Among the unions that make up CASIA are Aguas y Gaseosas (FATAGA), Lecheros (ATILRA), the Food Union (FTIA), Bakers, Tobacco Workers (FTTRA), Brewers (FATCA), Bakers (FAUPPA), Pasta Makers, Gastronomy (UTHGRA), UATRE, and Butchers (SOEICHA).
"Only a united workers' movement can resist the advance of the powerful and safeguard social and labor legislation, the true heart of Social Justice and the engine of a just and egalitarian society," they warned.
As the process for renewing the leadership of the General Confederation of Labor (CGT) approaches, scheduled for next Wednesday, CASIA expressed the need for the new leadership to include representation from industrial unions.
