The Ministry of Capital Humano intervened to halt the 24-hour strike planned by the La Fraternidad union for Thursday, February 5. The order imposes a 15-day mandatory negotiation period between the union and railway companies. Train services will run normally during this time.
The national government, through the Secretariat of Labor, ordered mandatory conciliation in the dispute between the La Fraternidad union and railway companies, thereby suspending the 24-hour strike set to begin at 00:00 on Thursday, February 5. This resolution, grounded in Law No. 14.786, requires both sides to revert to the pre-conflict status and negotiate for 15 business days, extendable by five more, to prevent disruptions in public transport.
La Fraternidad's general secretary, Omar Maturano, confirmed compliance with the order but voiced frustration over government proposals. "They offered us the same thing: they barely adjusted a few hundredths for the next quarter," Maturano stated to Radio Mitre. The union highlights a 56% salary lag since the current administration began, plus 18% from the previous year, demanding an immediate 18% raise plus monthly inflation adjustment. A machinist with ten years of service earns about 1,500,000 pesos, though the union insists on a 2,200,000-peso minimum.
The government countered with staggered increases of just over 1% monthly starting early 2026. Labor Secretary Julio Cordero stressed that society no longer tolerates negotiations opening with strikes. The conciliation impacts firms including Operadora Ferroviaria S.A., Belgrano Cargas, Metrovías, and Ferrovías, barring retaliatory actions under state oversight to encourage a deal.
Since 2023, La Fraternidad has noted a 40% erosion in workers' purchasing power. Without a settlement by the deadline, the union may resume actions. The Ministry aims to balance mobility rights with collective bargaining amid inflation-driven tensions.
