Opposition lawmakers criticize including a labor stability provision for public employees in the salary adjustment bill negotiations. They argue the issue demands a broader debate and a separate law. Public sector workers insist on protecting their rights against arbitrary dismissals.
Negotiations over Chile's public sector salary adjustment are sparking tensions. Worker representatives, including the public sector negotiating table, have decided to include in their petition a provision safeguarding labor stability to prevent arbitrary dismissals. José Pérez, president of the National Association of Fiscal Employees (Anef), stressed that this demand gains greater relevance amid the government change and far-right proposals: “now, given the government change and the proposals delivered by the far right, a measure like this takes on greater preponderance”.
Laura San Martín, coordinator of the table and Confusam leader, elaborated on the proposal: “In moments when public officials have been so discredited, our objective (in this negotiation) is the defense of the workers. We want to reflect that in our list of demands that we will deliver to the government”. She noted the initiative gains strength following a candidate's remarks calling them “parasites” and plans to shrink the state, aiming to defend the role of public employees in society.
However, deputies from the Chamber's Finance Committee, from Chile Vamos and Republicanos, oppose including this in the salary adjustment bill, which is discussed on a tight timeline. They propose addressing it in a separate law on public employment modernization. They assert that “good officials” are secure but emphasize the need for evaluations and efficiency.
Miguel Mellado, independent pro-Republicano, stated: “in the government of José Antonio Kast, we will review the contribution of each official and the real need for their permanence”. Felipe Donoso of the UDI added that the public sector has more guarantees than the private sector and suggested standardizing protections under the Labor Code. Frank Sauerbaum of RN criticized current immobility and the 50% increase in public employees over 15 years without service improvements: “it is inappropriate to include a norm of such depth in a miscellaneous law like the adjustment law”. Agustín Romero, Republicano, concluded the norm is unnecessary, as “good public officials have their jobs assured in the next government”.