This Tuesday, a demonstration led by maritime unions took place in the center of Buenos Aires and in other towns in the country in opposition to the deregulation of the sector promoted by the Government of Javier Milei . The workers' slogan is clear: " They are coming for our Argentine Sea ."
The national mobilization, called by the Maritime and River Trade Union Federation (FESIMAF) , was organized in response to the deregulation of the Cabotage Law , which affects maritime, river and fishing activity in the country.
The day of protests had its epicenter in the National Congress, although its impact was also felt in cities such as Comodoro Rivadavia, San Antonio Oeste, Puerto Deseado and Caleta Olivia .
In Puerto Madryn , the United Maritime Workers Union (SOMU) demonstrated with flags and fireworks , temporarily interrupting local traffic.
" We are without political distinction and together we want to reflect that they are coming for our Argentine Sea. This project that they want to enact would affect all of us sailors ," said César Zapata, General Secretary of the regional delegation of SOMU in Puerto Madryn , in conversation with EL CHUBUT .
Zapata said that a change of flag has already begun with the Hydroway , which has caused great concern among workers . “ Now they are coming for jobs in the fishing sector, and this affects us all. Foreign workers could enter without restrictions, in addition to allowing ships to operate outside the 200 nautical miles, negatively impacting our natural resources ,” added the union leader.
Faced with this scenario, talks between trade unions and business chambers are already underway, because the new regulations could result in unfair competition and cause stoppages in several companies. “ Both the chambers and the trade unions are concerned and looking for solutions together ,” Zapata stressed.
The mobilization in Buenos Aires was also significant. From the SOMU headquarters in San Telmo , the unionists, led by Raúl Durdos and Mariano Moreno , headed towards the Plaza de los Dos Congresos to reject the measures promoted by the government of Javier Milei.
“ Together, we will make our strength and unity felt. We cannot stand by and do nothing in the face of these decisions that threaten our future and that of our families ,” SOMU said.
Likewise, some time ago, the general secretary of the Center of River, Fishing and Maritime Cabotage Captains and Officers, Captain Mariano Moreno , had responded to the statements of the Minister of Deregulation and Transformation of the State, Federico Sturzenegger , who confirmed the intention to modify the Cabotage Law .
Moreno called the official “ incompetent, malicious and a liar ,” saying that the proposal would only divert work into foreign hands and compromise national sovereignty .
The new bill would allow ships flying foreign flags to carry out work in Argentina using crew and labor from other countries, which could mean the elimination of the national river and maritime fleet .
Recalling history, Moreno warned that the Merchant Navy had already received a “hard blow” in the 1990s with decree 1772/91, and that this measure represents “ the final blow that will completely eradicate the national fleet .”
According to him, the problems are not limited to costs, but arise from the lack of infrastructure and adequate logistics in the ports .
“ Since taking office, Minister Sturzenegger has been dedicated to dismantling the Argentine labor rights system and affecting the development of work with local labor ,” Moreno stressed, making clear the growing concern among maritime sector workers about the future of their industry and employment in the country.
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