Secretary General of the metal workers’ union and the CGT, Antonio Caló, and of the taxi drivers’ union, Omar Viviani (photo: Paula Ribas/Télam/ef)
President Meets with Unions Ahead of Wage Negotiations: President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner met with union leaders yesterday in order to discuss the upcoming collective wage negotiations for 2014. The meeting took place at the presidential residence in Olivos at 6pm, and was attended by representatives from the metal workers, taxi drivers, water workers, and mechanics unions, all of which belong to the faction of the General Workers’ Confederation (CGT) that is closest to the government. It has been reported that, during the meeting, the President requested “moderation, prudence, and intelligence” when negotiating wages for this year. Whilst the government did not specify a maximum percentage for wage increases, they expect that they will not go up by more than 25%, in order to keep inflation in check. It was also agreed that collective wage negotiations will continue to take place annually, and, as per the unionists’ request, the President committed to analysing the possibility of increasing the minimum wage. The meeting comes amidst concerns about the potential impact of wage negotiations on inflation levels. Both parties considered it “positive”.
Metropolitan Train Lines To Be Privately Operated: The government transferred the operation of four metropolitan train lines to private companies Metrovías and Ferrovías. The Mitre, San Martín, Roca, and Belgrano Sur lines were, until today, operated by two consortiums -Ugoms and Ugofe- formed by these companies and the national state. Resolution 41/2014, published today in the Official Gazette, indicates that “it is necessary to adjust the operational agreements” for these train lines, “with the aim of establishing clear rules and strengthen the operators’ control and responsibility.” Interior and Transport Minister Florencio Randazzo informed that the companies will be subject to strict sanctions of to up $220,000 in fines (the equivalent of 200,000 tickets) if there were delays, cancelled services, interruptions, fewer cars on peak hour, or lack of maintenance in cars and stations. Operators will also be required to submit “annual plans regarding train frequencies, maintenance, cleanliness, and quality of the service” which will be subject to monthly controls, said Randazzo. The Sarmiento train line will continue to be operated by the state.
Ex-President Menem Acquitted on Military Factory Explosion Case: Former President and Senator Carlos Menem was acquitted today on the case investigating the explosion of a military factory in Río Tercero, Córdoba, which took place in 1995 and in which seven people died. The ruling, delivered by a court of appeals in Córdoba, overturns the decision of the judge of first instance, who had prosecuted Menem. Former Army general Martín Balza was also acquitted. The complainant’s lawyer, Ricardo Monner Sans, announced this afternoon that the ruling will be appealed. Last year, Menem was sentenced to seven years in prison over illegal arms sales to Croatia and Ecuador. The prosecutor claims the explosion at the Río Tercero military factory was intentional, and intended to cover up the illegal arms operations.
Protests in Once over Eviction of Street Sellers: Seven people were arrested today as protests broke out in Once during a police operation to remove street sellers. The sellers were arrested by the Metropolitan Police, in charge of the operation, for “aggression and resisting authority”. Afterwards, a group of protesters blocked the corner of Av. Corrientes and Av. Pueyrredón, demanding the arrested be released, however they freed up the street after 4pm.