The Unión Tranviarios Automotor (UTA) confirmed an extortionate total bus strike for 24 hours starting at 12:00 AM this Tuesday, May 6. This is due to the failure to reach a salary agreement with the business chambers of the sector. The measure will affect more than 300 short and medium distance lines in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires (AMBA).
The Government had called for an emergency meeting on Monday afternoon in an attempt to stop the strike, but the meeting failed. Representatives of the UTA, the transport chambers, and the Secretary of Labor, Julio Cordero, participated. The mandatory conciliation expired on April 30 without results.
The union, led by Roberto Fernández, demanded a basic salary of $1,700,000 compared to the current $1,200,000. The business offer consisted of an increase of less than 6% starting in June, plus non-remunerative sums: $40,000 in May, $50,000 in June, and $70,000 in July.
The UTA described the proposal as "a lack of respect"
In an official statement, the UTA considered the business proposal as “a lack of respect” and confirmed the start of a plan of struggle. “Once again, the workers will go out to defend our salaries. We call on everyone!” the text released by the union concluded.
Meanwhile, a group of drivers from line 148 mobilized to the union headquarters in Balvanera to express their dissatisfaction with the UTA leadership. The protesters threw eggs at the building and repudiated the terms of the negotiation with the business chambers.
