La Derecha Diario Province ordered conciliation and halted layoffs at Petroquímica Río Tercero
The measure suspends dismissals for 15 days and imposes dialogue between the company and the union
Amid a climate of tension at the plant, the provincial Ministry of Labor ordered mandatory conciliation this Thursday. The decision nullifies the 124 layoffs announced by the company Petroquímica Río Tercero, part of the Piero group. The measure opens a 15-day period to attempt a negotiated resolution between the company and the union.
During this period, neither party may take new actions that would worsen the conflict or interrupt work at the industrial complex. The dismissed employees must return to their positions while a formal dialogue table is established. The Ministry expects negotiations to move forward without affecting the rest of the city's chemical sector.
The conflict erupted this Monday when the company announced mass layoffs due to a "deep restructuring" caused by its financial situation. The chemical workers' union reported irregularities in the notifications and the presence of police officers. According to their report, workers were prevented from entering the plant on the day of the announcement.
The conflict affected other industries in the local chemical complex
The union blockade at the entrances also affected other companies in the area, such as Atanor, which are not directly involved in the conflict. "Atanor is experiencing strong growth and should not be harmed by a conflict that doesn't concern it," warned Mayor Marcos Ferrer. The official called for caution to prevent further damage in an area that is key to the local economy.
Regarding Petroquímica, Ferrer clarified that "it is as if a store closes, because it is a private company," although he expressed concern for the employees. At the same time, he announced that the municipality will set up a special office to assist affected workers. The focus will be on providing legal advice in the event of settlements or claims.
During the conciliation, efforts will be made to solve the conflict to prevent it from escalating and resulting in further economic or labor harm. The union keeps that the layoffs are illegal and demands their definitive annulment. The company, meanwhile, has not given any public indication of reconsidering its decision beyond complying with the conciliation.
More posts: