(May 22, by Huang Dong) On Wednesday, the Argentine government restricted the right to strike for most unions and expanded the scope of basic industries through Decree No. 340. That is, during strikes, unions must ensure the operation of 50% to 75% of personnel.
Article 3 of the decree states: "Collective conflicts that may affect basic services or important businesses should ensure the provision of minimum services." Specifically, "for basic services, under no circumstances shall it be less than 75% of normal service provision; for important businesses or services, under no circumstances shall it be less than 50% of normal service provision."
The decree stipulates that from now on, the following are considered basic services: health and hospitals, production, transportation, and sales of electricity, water, gas, telecommunications (including internet and satellite communications), commercial aviation, air and port traffic control (including all port services), customs and immigration services (including related foreign trade services), childcare and education in kindergartens, preschools, primary schools, and secondary schools, maritime transport (including personnel and cargo).
The following activities are classified as important businesses: production of pharmaceuticals and hospital supplies, land transport (including personnel and cargo), television and radio services, continuous industrial activities (such as steel and aluminum production), the food industry and its entire value chain, production and distribution of building materials, aircraft and ship maintenance services, all airport services, logistics services, mining, refrigeration, postal services, distribution and sales of food and beverages, agricultural activities, banking, finance, hotels, catering, e-commerce, and the production and services of all industries affecting export commitments.
After the issuance of the decree, the legal community raised serious doubts about the government's decision, considering that this "effectively bans strikes," "considers more activities as basic services, requiring 75% service provision, which means strikes have become ineffective." "The right to strike has become a mere formality."
The largest national union CGT rejected the government's decree the same day, believing that it restricts the right to strike and arbitrarily expands the scope of basic services. The union warned that the decree was unconstitutional and would resort to the judiciary. "Facing the government's serious infringement, attempting to erase rights that have been hard-won and defended, CGT will not remain silent. We will carry out necessary struggles, whether through courts, streets, or workplaces, to ensure these and other rights threatened by the government."
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7507183073646182931/
Disclaimer: This article represents the author's personal views. Please express your attitude by clicking the "Like" or "Dislike" button below.