The businessmen offered 12%. The union agreed to analyze the proposal, but conditioned its approval on the inclusion of a trigger clause that adjusts salaries monthly in line with inflation.
The salary negotiation between Metallurgical Workers Union (UOM) and the business chambers ended 2024 without reaching an agreement, leaving workers in the sector without increases for the period November 2024-March 2025. During the last meeting, the business side offered an increase in the 12%six points below what is required by the union led by Abel Furlan.
The union agreed to analyze the proposal, but conditioned its approval on the inclusion of a trigger clause that adjusts salaries monthly in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This point was flatly rejected by the chambers, which argued a drop in activity and difficulties in competing against imports.
A blocked joint venture and a sector in crisis
The last increase agreed for metallurgists dates back to August 2024, when an increase in the 14% payable in four tranches: 4% in July and Augustand 3% in September and October. Since November, without progress in the new talks, workers will continue to receive the salaries established in that agreement:
- Basic salary: $585,277.56 for monthly technicians (Category 1).
- Daily schedule: $3,282.12 for qualified operators.
The talks will extend into January 2025, with both parties showing rigid positions. Business chambers, which include entities such as ADIMRA, AFARTE, CAMIMA and CAIAMApoint out negative projections for next year and structural difficulties in the sector. For its part, the UOM insists on matching salary adjustments with inflation to avoid greater losses in purchasing power.
The case of the steel branch
In the steel segment, the situation is similar. The Argentine Chamber of Steel and the union closed the year without consensus after a hearing in December. The UOM demanded an increase in 14% retroactive to the July-October periodalso conditional on an inflationary revision.
The future of negotiations
With an accumulated inflation of 112% in 2024according to INDEC, and a total parity increase of the 71.5% For metallurgists, expectations for the 2025 negotiations will be crucial. The UOM will seek to compensate for the wage gap, while companies are committed to avoiding commitments that increase their operating costs in a context of recession.
The January discussions are expected to be decisive in determining how the salaries of workers in the sector will begin the year, both in the metalworking and steel industries.
Source: Ambito
