Ayolas nursing home staff protest 15 months of unpaid wages, demand EBY agreement

Staff at the Divina Misericordia Nursing Home in Ayolas, Paraguay, have resumed peaceful protests to demand 15 months of overdue salaries. The 16 caregivers for the elderly residents are urging the Entidad Binacional Yacyretá (EBY) to sign an agreement with an institution that will guarantee the disbursement of funds for their wages.

Nancy Cañiza, a staff member, stated that they have received no response from the nursing home's administration, the EBY, or the departmental government, prompting them to restart their demonstration. The situation has become unsustainable, with staff unable to afford basic necessities for their families due to suspended credit lines. They are calling for intervention from the Ministry of Labor.

Historically, the EBY provided financial contributions for the nursing home's operation and staff salaries. These transfers were reportedly suspended due to an economic crisis inherited from the previous administration. An agreement with the Misiones Governorate was later announced to streamline resource transfers.

A meeting of the Yacyretá committee is scheduled for Thursday, where the Argentine director of EBY, Diego Luis Adúriz, is expected to sign a convenio with the Municipality of Ayolas. This agreement aims to secure resources for the entire year 2026, with funds disbursed in two stages after the signing and subsequent submission of accountability reports. The home requires G. 22,050,000 monthly to cover staff salaries.