26 January, 2009
The ICEM has taken up a call for support to 430 paperworkers in Argentina, represented by affiliate Federation of Workers’ of the Paper, Carton, and Chemical (FOEIPCyQ) Unions.
Employed by the Argentine company, Massuh SA, the workers did not receive wage payments in January and the second half of December 2008. The company is also guilty of non-payment of social benefits last year, in which cheques to public entities failed due to insufficient funds.
FOEIPCyQ’s Executive Council has given the situation high priority. The union is pressing the Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social Security, as well as the Buenos Aires Provincial Ministry of Work to address the situation. FOEIPCyQ is also delivering food to families, as well as providing other support.
The ICEM has written to the financially troubled company demanding immediate payment of back wages to workers. “The number one priority for any company should be the payment of fair compensation to workers,” wrote the ICEM. “We urge you to handle this matter in a socially responsible way, as well as to use full dialogue and commitment with the legitimate workers’ representative,” the FOEIPCyQ.
The ICEM strongly encourages affiliated trade unions to take the Spanish-language Letter of Support to Massuh workers, found here, place it on your letterhead, and e-mail to the union, at [email protected].
Massuh operates a pulp and paper mill with two paper machines in Quilmes, near Argentina.