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Pay and conditions victory for train drivers in Argentina
3 May 2006
Train drivers in Argentina have won a single agreement on pay and conditions following threats of industrial action by union members. The agreement was reached towards the end of last month and the dispute called off.
Workers of the ITF-affiliated La Fraternidad Union, representing train drivers across all national rail companies, were in dispute with passenger rail operators in the capital, Buenos Aires, over the employers’ failure to implement one single agreement for all companies.
However, the threat of strike action prompted discussions with each company and the union’s demands were eventually met in full: these included a single agreement covering all train drivers in all companies nationally, giving them pay parity and the same training, based at the union’s technical schools. The union also crucially negotiated a reduction in working hours.
Mac Urata, ITF Inland Transport Section Secretary commented: “This is a remarkable achievement. After nearly two decades of a fragmented railway system in Argentina created by privatisation and concessioning, the union has regained a strong bargaining position. Hopefully it will inspire fellow workers around the world.”
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