Pit-Cnt Demands "Transformative Energies" from Government, Calls Accountability Plan an "Adjustment"

Uruguay's largest labor union, the Pit-Cnt, is demanding "transformative energies" from the executive branch, asserting that "transformative energies" in public policy are essential for profound change in the country. The confederation's president, Marcelo Abdala, stated that the union's support and mobilization would back policies leading to deep societal shifts.

Abdala outlined three major reforms. First, a "progressive" labor reform proposing a maximum 40-hour work week while maintaining current salary levels equivalent to 48 hours. This also includes a bill to establish dependency relationships for app workers, ensuring their rights, and repealing current regulations to "dignify" their work. Second, a "second generation" tax reform based on the principle that "those who have more, pay more." Finally, reforms to social protection mechanisms to seriously implement a National Care System aimed at assisting children affected by poverty.

The union leader reiterated the call for a 1% tax on the wealthiest 1% of the population, a proposal recently rejected by the Minister of Economy and Finance. Abdala emphasized that this tax would accelerate efforts to reduce child poverty. He also stressed the importance of the Banco República establishing an investment bank to channel savings into productive ventures, preventing financial capital flight and "white-collar" fraud.

Furthermore, the Pit-Cnt urged Uruguay to propose regional productive complementarity studies and equitable work distribution policies to Latin American countries through Mercosur, Aladi, and Celac. The union also reaffirmed its demand for allocating 6% of GDP to education and 1% to research, known as the "6+1" plan, essential for technological development and lifelong learning. The union criticized the government's "Accountability" guidelines as "adjustment and zero cost."