Subway lines to hold a staggered strike throughout the day

The union is demanding better wages and working conditions due to asbestos exposure

The Subway and Premetro Workers Union Association (AGTSyP-Metrodelegadxs) will hold a strike today across all subway lines to demand talks with their employers to discuss working conditions and wages.

The strike began this morning with the 5.30 am interruption of the H line, that will last until to 10 am; the E line and Premetro from 10 am to 2.30 pm; the A and B line from 2.30 to 7 pm, and finally the C line, from 7 to midnight. .

In a statement, the union said they’re calling the strike because despite ongoing demands for better wages and working conditions, which include 30-hour weeks and two days off guaranteed in order to decrease asbestos exposure, their employers have not initiated any talks with union representatives. 

Subway concessionary company Emova replied to the strike by saying it is open to discussions, but that reduction of working hours from 36 to 30 hours a week is not possible, due to the fact it would make subway management and daily operations untenable. They also said wage discussions are currently ongoing, and they are monitoring the de-abestization process of the subway. 

In a press release on May 23 communicating a staggered strike that took place that day, AGTSyP-Metrodelegadxs laid out a series of accusations against the company. “Emova responds to our claims by lying to users saying that it’s safe underground. Meanwhile workers get work days illegally deducted and receive illegitimate and illegal sanctions aimed at silencing the claim.” 

-with information from Télam

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