Fishing Unions Condemn Argentina Government’s Attacks On Workers

Leading fishing unions across Latin America, united under the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), have issued a strong condemnation against the policies of Argentina’s government under Javier Milei.

The unions gathered in Buenos Aires recently to express solidarity with Argentine workers amid ongoing political and economic challenges.

The unions criticized the government’s attacks on workers, trade unions, labor rights, and the country’s natural resources. Key concerns include disruptions to union-run health coverage that endanger workers’ wellbeing, and the reinstatement of income tax which has caused wage losses exceeding 30%. Additionally, the government’s refusal to approve collective bargaining agreements beyond set arbitrary limits has further diminished workers’ purchasing power.

Proposed changes to labor laws, such as extending working hours beyond eight hours a day, lengthening probation periods, and removing worker protections, were described as direct blows to the working class, leading to increased physical and emotional stress.

In the fishing and merchant marine sectors, the unions condemned decrees 340/24 and 70/25 for deregulating cabotage and surrendering national resource control. While challenges ensued, these measures were ultimately rejected by the National Congress following trade union interventions.

The unions also warned against the government’s abandonment of resource management, including the removal of traceability controls essential for assessing fishing impacts. They condemned what they called a false narrative of “freedom” that benefits only powerful elites while exploiting national resources and workers.

Demanding inclusion in all policy discussions affecting the fishing industry, the unions called for respect for current fisheries laws that support sector growth, worker benefits, and sustainability. They pledged to continue raising these issues at national, regional, and international levels, advocating labor rights, collective bargaining, and decent work as foundations for sustainable fisheries and equitable societies.