The National Government's decision to remove tariffs on cell phone and electronic product imports generated a profound reaction in various sectors of Tierra del Fuego , mainly in the industry and among political and union actors .
Faced with widespread concern about what represents a direct blow to the local economy, unions and provincial and municipal authorities issued strong condemnations.
They warn about the negative impact this measure could have on the sustainability of Tierra del Fuego's production model.
Metalworkers' strike and mobilization in Río Grande
The response from the Río Grande Metalworkers Union (UOM) was immediate. The union decided to begin an indefinite strike starting at noon this Wednesday , accompanied by a demonstration that went from the Industrial Park to the city center .
Oscar Martínez, a worker representative, stated that the measure was taken in defense of labor rights and against a process that, they claim, seeks to favor importing companies to the detriment of domestic industry.
" We are facing a campaign where the rights and sovereignty of those of us who have chosen to live in this province are being challenged ," Martínez stated, adding that " jobs are being sacrificed in pursuit of external electoral and economic interests ."
From recent history, the union notes the loss of nearly a dozen metalworking factories between 2015 and 2019, and warns that the current national measure could lead to an even greater run on local production.
Political and social rejection
Mayors and provincial authorities also expressed their opposition. Martín Pérez, from Río Grande , publicly stated that " from our community, we will defend every job " and described the measure as a political decision that undermines more than 50 years of industry in Tierra del Fuego .
Their complaint also states that " this policy responds to the demands of the IMF, which seeks to reduce tax benefits and dismantle what they consider to be a unique industrial development model in Argentina ."
Ushuaia was not far behind: Mayor Walter Vuoto stated on social media that Tierra del Fuego "represents a model of industrial development, employment, and technological sovereignty " and warned of the impact on the province's production, employment, and energy and technological security.
For his part, Tolhuín Mayor Daniel Harrington added that " the threat to the tax and customs exemption regime, such as Law 19,640, puts the stability and sovereignty of the entire region at risk ," and urged Congress to intervene and take action to protect local industry.
"Talking about Tierra del Fuego's industry and defending Law 19,640 isn't a mere whim; it means understanding that behind the industrial promotion regime there are 14,000 direct jobs and more than 220,000 Tierra del Fuego residents who benefit. In this way, we also defend sovereignty, production, and genuine employment ," stated the mayor of the heart of the island.
For his part, Governor Gustavo Mellela reiterated his intention to reject the decree and announced that he will take legal action to stop its implementation. " Industry, production, and employment are not ideological; they are well-earned rights and must be respected," he stated.
The national decree could open the door to an even more damaging process for the Tierra del Fuego economy , which is already facing a severe industrial and social crisis. Opposition from unions, mayors, and the governor poses a scenario of maximum political tension against the presidential administration of Javier Milei.
This could lead to new protests and legal action in defense of a model based on Law 19,640, which is considered "fundamental to regional sovereignty and development ."
The Fuegian community is preparing to face a scenario where national and international interests seem to collide head-on .
