Crisis at Petroquímica Río Tercero: tension over layoffs and fear of closure

A large group of employees from Petroquímica Río Terceromarched this Thursday in protest over the dismissal of 124 workers. The action was supported by unions from various sectors, led by the chemical workers' union. Concern in the city is growing over the possible permanent closure of the company.

The conflict began when the company announced a major staff reduction due to economic problems. Last October, the company had already closed its TDI unit, which accounted for 80% of its revenue. Since then, it started a downsizing process that could leave it with only 130 employees.

A mandatory 15-day conciliation ordered by the provincial Labor Secretariat is currently in effect. The deadline expires on August 4, and so far there have been no developments. The workers warn that, if there are no reinstatements, they could occupy the plant.

Growing fear for the company's future

Petroquímica Río Tercero confirmed this week that it has initiated a preventive crisis proceeding. It did so at the second conciliation hearing, according to the union. "Employees should be put on the waiting list in order to get paid," warned Lucas Felici.

The company submitted to the court a file of 1,800 pages with financial statements and documentation. The company claims it is seeking to restructure due to serious economic problems. The unions believe that the process could leave employees without immediate wages or severance payments.

The closure of the TDI unit worsened the situation for the company. That area concentrated a large part of the industrial activity. Since then, there have been two waves of layoffs that have significantly reduced the workforce.

Mass mobilization and tense atmosphere in Río Tercero

This Thursday, a march was held through the city center under the slogan "No to industrial homicide, no to the factory closure." Employees and supportive unions participated. "Without industries, there is no Río Tercero," read the main sign at the protest.

The union warned: "Let's all stop the labor massacre that today in our city is affecting hundreds and hundreds of families." Another sign demanded: "No more families on the street." The economic impact on the city is a major cause for concern.

During the conciliation, employees are fulfilling their schedules, but the plants are paralyzed. They describe it as a situation of "extreme anguish and psychological pressure." "This is unsustainable," said one of the dismissed workers regarding the current situation the company is facing.