Strike to paralyze ports, airports, and customs checks for 48 hours in Argentina

Workers from the National Food Safety and Quality Service (Servicio Nacional de Sanidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria, SENASA) who are affiliated with the Association of Government Workers (Asociacion de Trabajadores del Estado, ATE) plan to stage a 48-hour strike beginning March 26. The work stoppage will likely impact exports and health and safety checks of animal and plant products, as SENASA is responsible for the regulation and surveillance of these at ports, airports, and customs. The action is to oppose the government’s alleged plans to lay off workers.

The following chart uses DataLiner data to compare exports and imports in containers registered at the Port of Buenos Aires between January 2022 and January 2024. As the largest port in the country, Buenos Aires should be one of the most impacted by the strike.

Cargo Movement at Buenos Aires Port | Jan 2022 – Jan 2024 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

“We have decided to take a drastic measure that will have a strong impact on our country’s economy, and we will not accept workers being held responsible for the impact on exports. Many jobs are at risk, and we will not allow illegal dismissals to take place,” said Rodolfo Aguiar, general secretary of ATE.

“All checkpoints at ports, airports, and customs facilities will be paralyzed, and inspections at all phytosanitary barriers across the country will be lifted. It is unacceptable to implement staff reductions in an agency that plays such an essential role, has always been self-funded, and has generated millions of dollars for the state every year,” he added.

The union emphasized the importance of having a strong and efficient quality and health control service, especially in the face of such a pronounced import liberalization policy as the one being pursued by the Argentine Government.

“It should be noted that this agency not only controls the import and export of food, dairy, and live animal products but also monitors the health and quality of agri-foods that reach the tables of all Argentines, and a reduction in staff in these areas not only undermines public policies but also threatens the population as a whole,” highlighted Mercedes Cabezas, deputy secretary of ATE Nacional and a worker in the sector.

Source: Portal Portuario

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