The mobilization went along Colón Avenue to Panal. The unions are preparing legal actions against the 'Equity Law'
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The provincial unions of Córdoba held a new demonstration in a caravan through the streets of the provincial capital. The protest began at 9 in the morning on Colón Avenue at the height of El Tropezón. The route ended in front of El Panal, the seat of the government of the province of Córdoba.
The demonstration brought together the 23 unions of the public sector in rejection of the "Pension Equity Law". The leaders questioned the deferral in the payment of increases to retirees and the calculation of the initial benefit. The caravan of vehicles caused disruptions in vehicular traffic during the day.
The general secretary of SEP, Sergio Castro, led the protest and provided details about the situation of the members. The main slogan of the demonstration was "the defense of the Pension Fund" in the face of the changes.
La caravana empezó en la zona de El Tropezón desde las 9am.
Impact of the reform and deductions
From the unions, leaders acknowledged that retirees with benefits under 1,300,000 pesos received compensation in their income. However, they warned about the negative impact of the 4-point increase in personal contributions. This means that retirees once again contribute between 2% and 8% according to their salary scale.
Castro also pointed out that 30% of the members suffered significant deductions from their February benefits. Many employees had to refinance debts with credit cards in light of the economic situation they are going through. In some cases, withholdings by Banco de Córdoba absorbed the entirety of the salary.
The leader warned about a possible future crisis in the system due to the lack of entry of formal staff. He mentioned the existence of a high number of self-employed taxpayers who provide services to the provincial State. The demand aims to solve the Pension Fund's deficit without affecting workers' income.
La movilización generó importantes atascos en el casco céntrico de la ciudad.
Filings before the courts
The union leadership confirmed that it will move forward with a legal strategy to challenge the application of the current regulations. Leaders plan to file collective remedies and individual injunctions before Córdoba's courts in mid-February. A team of union lawyers is working on drafting the documents.
Meetings between union representatives are held weekly to coordinate the actions to be taken. The demonstration on this Wednesday is part of a protest plan launched after the law's approval. Public employees seek to overturn the articles that they consider harmful for active and retired workers.
