Background on Monte de Piedad and its Significance
Monte de Piedad, a historic institution in Ecuador with a 250-year legacy, has been facing a 21-day strike. The institution, which offers pawn services and plays a crucial role in supporting the less fortunate, is now seeking resolution through a workers’ vote.
The Upcoming Vote and its Importance
Nacional Monte de Piedad (NMP) announced that a crucial vote will take place on November 12, 13, and 14 to determine the continuation or termination of the strike. The Patronato expressed confidence that it is the workers’ decision, rather than the union leaders’, which will bring an end to the strike and restore normal operations.
Separation of Discourse from Reality
The Patronato emphasized that the upcoming vote will “separate discourse from reality,” as it will reveal whether the majority genuinely supports the work suspension or if it has been prolonged by a small, radical group of union leaders.
Institution’s Compliance with Laws and Agreements
Monte de Piedad has stressed its adherence to legality and the 2024 Modified Convention, approved by a majority of workers. The institution believes that the path to labor peace lies in allowing the consultation to proceed without external pressures, mobile phones, or coercion attempts.
Continued Dialogue and Ressured Operations
Should the re-opening be resolved, NMP stated that institutional dialogue will continue under labor authority supervision, with operations already restored as demanded by working staff dependent on income.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of the upcoming vote? The vote aims to determine whether the majority of workers support continuing the strike or returning to work and regaining labor stability.
- Why is the institution confident in workers’ decision? Monte de Piedad believes that the institution has already complied with the law and agreed-upon terms, so it is now up to the workers to decide on the next steps.
- What happens if the strike continues? The institution warns that prolonging the strike cannot be normalized or used as a permanent political pressure mechanism.
- How will the institution ensure a fair vote? NMP has emphasized that the consultation should proceed without external pressures, mobile phones, or coercion attempts to guarantee a genuine reflection of workers’ intentions.
