The Subway and Premetro Workers Union Association (AGTSyP-Metrodelegadxs) will hold a three-hour strike this Wednesday across all subway lines and the Premetro, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., demanding a reduction in working hours to reduce exposure to asbestos, a carcinogenic mineral present in subway cars.

From 9 to 10, the turnstile was open for passengers to travel free of charge in the following subway stations: 

• San Pedrito (A line)
• Juan Manuel de Rosas (B line)
• Constitución (C line)
• Congreso de Tucumán (D line)
• Virreyes (E line)
• Facultad de Derecho (H line)

These are all end stations of their respective subway lines.

The union is demanding its work day be reduced from 36 to 30 hours a week to reduce the exposure to asbestos.

According to a press release by AGTSyP, asbestos exposure has already caused the death of 3 subway workers, while 87 others have suffered health issues since 2018.

The union also said that one passenger has been affected, and 2150 workers have to undergo medical checkups every year because of asbestos exposure.

“We apologize for the inconveniences that these measures might cause,” the union said, while calling on subway users to join them in their protest for an “asbestos free subway, new subway cars and medical checkups for all workers.”

This is the 18th strike in the past months, the previous one being on July 5. Emova, the company in charge of providing the subway service, has admitted the presence of asbestos, but said “conditions were adequate” to work.

“The company is actively working on a de-asbestization plan, continuing with the process initiated five years ago,” the company added in a press release, in reference to work done by Metrovías, the company previously in charge of the subway.

“Emova continues to signal its openness to talks, but reducing the work week from 36 to 30 hours is unfeasible without affecting the subway operability,” they said.