Labor conflict at a Mirgor plant in Tierra del Fuego

A labor dispute has erupted at Mirgor's plants in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, threatening social peace in the region. The company prevented approximately 300 workers from entering its facilities in Río Grande and initiated the dismissal of over 70 employees.

However, the Ministry of Labor for Tierra del Fuego intervened shortly after, imposing a mandatory 15-day conciliation period, which temporarily suspended the dismissals. Mirgor stated that the plants are now operating normally and that only the union delegates who spearheaded the industrial action are barred from entry. Company sources explained that the disruptions were not due to a decline in consumption but rather a union-led protest that hindered plant operations.

Workers, however, allege that the company's actions are retaliatory. They claim the dismissals are a response to their demand for a bonus they have been receiving for 15 years. The local branch of the UOM (Union of Metalworkers) is reportedly considering further industrial action.

This conflict arises at a challenging time for electronics plants in Tierra del Fuego, which are already facing declining sales and increased competition from imported products. Mirgor highlighted that the specific production lines affected by the dispute are those supplying the automotive industry, operating under a "just-in-time" model that requires uninterrupted operation to supply car manufacturers.

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We are fed up with strikes and assemblies by the UOM. This is not due to a drop in consumption, but to a union demand that prevented us from operating the plants.