The tire union, linked to the Workers' Party, is once again shutting down factories during election week
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In the midst of election week, the Union of Argentine Tire Workers (SUTNA) announced a 24-hour total strike from 2:00 p.m. this Wednesday until the same time on Thursday.
The measure affects the three major factories in the sector:Fate, Pirelli, and Bridgestone, and will be accompanied by a demonstration in front of the Fate plant in Victoria.
Grandes fábricas del sector de neumáticos: Fate, Pirelli y Bridgestone
The union, led by Alejandro Crespo, member of the Partido Obrero, accuses the companies of attempting to impose a "wage reduction" and blames the Government for allowing "indiscriminate imports." In other words, a new political strike disguised as a labor demand.
The conflict broke out after a hearing at the Labor Secretariat between company representatives and the union failed. The companies explained that the industry is experiencing a decline in competitiveness, excess inventory, and loss of external markets.
Alejandro Crespo, Secretagio General del SUTNA
Bridgestone, FATE, and Pirelli rejected the demand for a wage increase and stated: "It is framed within a real analysis of the current situation of the activity, related to the pursuit of operational sustainability and the protection of jobs."
After the trade liberalization promoted by the Government, the tire market had to adjust the extremely high prices it maintained due to protectionist policies. The record influx of imported tires forced the sector to restructure, improve competitiveness, and put an end to the years of overpricing that consumers had to pay.
Meanwhile, while companies try to keep their plants running, the unions respond with measures that put formal employment at risk and drive away investment.
Una asamblea del Sindicato del Neumático en la fábrica de FATE
Crespo, re-elected in September as SUTNA's general secretary until 2029 with 46.7% of the votes, once again displayed his combative profile. In its statement, the union denounced "an anti-worker policy that harms workers," but failed to mention that wages in the sector are among the highest in the manufacturing industry.
This is not the first time the union has been at the center of such a conflict: in 2022, it held a strike lasting almost two months that paralyzed tire production across the country, causing millions in losses and shortages.
The strategy is repeated: to pressure, paralyze, and use violent measures to make politics against the current Government. Setting aside the fact that if they are not satisfied with their salary, they are free to seek another employer they consider appropriate.
Despite the maneuvers of the union left, the national Government stays its course.
The same sectors that for years lived off union privilege now attempt to boycott a model that restores freedom and productivity.
