Background and Relevance of the Independent Union
The Independent Union of Nacional Monte de Piedad Workers was legally recognized by the Federal Labor Court for Collective Matters as a “third party interested” in the ongoing strike that has surpassed 20 days. The union, led by Víctor Manuel Ortega, emerged in 2018 as an alternative to the traditional union, now on strike and headed by Arturo Zayún. Ortega accused the traditional union of operating under a corporate scheme and hindering labor rights for those who joined the new organization.
Legal Recognition and Achievements
After a six-year legal battle, the Independent Union obtained a note of acknowledgment and subsequently a resolution from the Federal Labor Court recognizing them as a minority union with representativeness. This recognition allowed the union to reclaim previously denied rights, such as eligibility for job vacancies and access to overtime pay, double shifts, and triple shifts.
- In less than a year, the union reportedly gained around 25% of the membership, causing friction with the traditional union.
Addressing the Strike and Sindical Representation
Ortega stated that the strike does not resolve the core issue of the conflict and that the solution lies in establishing clear criteria regarding job vacancies, particularly in assessing “aptitude and productivity.” He emphasized the need for these elements to be incorporated into a transparent collective agreement.
The independent union believes the current strike call is exhausted and that the scheduled vote on November 12, 13, and 14 will be crucial not only for the continuation or termination of the strike but also for determining the balance of sindical forces within Nacional Monte de Piedad.
“We are not asking for your vote for us; we are asking you to vote informed,”
Ortega said.
Future Goals and Sindical Dispute
The independent union aims to challenge the traditional union’s contract authority in the medium term, arguing that the traditional union has lost representativeness. Workers seek a different leadership, and according to Ortega, the definition no longer lies in negotiation tables but in the ballot boxes.
