The Association of State Workers (ATE) Jujuy called on the provincial government to reopen wage negotiations for April, after the union and other state sectors rejected the government’s proposed 4 percent salary increase. The union made its request public on April 7.
Union secretary general Carlos Sajama said there is concern among workers because “there are colleagues who have not felt the increase,” highlighting that many find the current offer insufficient given the economic situation. He added, “We demand that the government reconvene wage talks.”
A central point in ATE’s demands is improving conditions for precarious workers. Sajama explained, “We have people who earn less, such as day laborers, trainers and municipal workers who do not even reach the basic salary,” reiterating calls for permanent positions within municipalities.
Sajama also addressed uncertainty stemming from a provincial emergency decree: “The situation is confusing, but we were reassured that salaries will be guaranteed and there will be no layoffs in municipalities.” He said ATE’s main goal remains achieving wages equivalent to a basic family basket and confirmed they have requested an audience with provincial authorities.
While acknowledging progress such as permanent appointments and reclassifications, Sajama warned of ongoing inequalities: “We continue to have problems in the middle range because with each increase those with seniority end up earning almost as much as new hires.” He noted some advances in formalizing salary items but insisted that “the 4% is not enough.”
If no agreement is reached soon, Sajama did not rule out strikes or protests: “Strikes and mobilization are tools we have, although we do not want to resort to them,” he said. However, he pointed out these actions come at an economic cost due to travel across the province and cited fears among some workers about possible reprisals or losing contracts.
On a national level, Sajama confirmed plans to attend an ATE meeting in Buenos Aires with secretaries general from across Argentina where he will present Jujuy’s situation regarding salaries and resources. He also announced participation in a key meeting with CTA Autónoma ahead of elections scheduled for August.
