Rosario Metallurgical Firm Metrofund Fires 30 Workers Via WhatsApp, Union Declares ‘Illegal’ Dismissals – Urgent Breaking News
Rosario, Argentina – A decades-old metallurgical company in Rosario, Santa Fe province, Metrofund SRL, has ignited a labor dispute by informing 30 employees of their termination via WhatsApp messages and formal letters. The Metallurgical Workers Union (UOM) is vehemently contesting the dismissals, labeling them “unilateral, arbitrary, and illegal,” and promising legal action. This breaking news highlights a growing trend of economic hardship impacting Argentinian industry, particularly under the current administration.
WhatsApp Firings and Allegations of Legal Violations
Metrofund, a manufacturer of spare parts for prominent firms like Massey Ferguson, Scania, Mercedes Benz, and Randon, justified the layoffs citing a 2.5% year-on-year decline in activity, attributed to increased imports and weak domestic demand. However, the UOM, led by Antonio Donello, alleges the company failed to adhere to Argentinian labor law (Law 24.013, Decree 265/2002). Specifically, the union argues that a company with fewer than 400 employees cannot dismiss more than 15% of its workforce at once without initiating a preventative crisis procedure – a step Metrofund reportedly skipped.
“Unfortunately, we must report that the company unilaterally, arbitrarily and illegally has fired 30 workers through communication via WhatsApp and letter document,” stated Pablo Carrara, the UOM Sectional Rosario’s lawyer, in a formal note to the Provincial Ministry of Labor. The union is demanding the immediate reinstatement of all affected workers.
Beyond Economic Downturn: Internal Conflicts and a Troubled Industry
The situation appears more complex than simply economic pressures. UOM leaders, including Elio Veccialer, suggest internal disagreements among Metrofund’s directors are contributing to the crisis. “We attribute personal problems among directory members, because the company is working in full. But as always happens, the broken dishes were paid by employees,” Veccialer lamented. The company, which once supplied markets in Chile, Uruguay, and Paraguay, is reportedly still operating at full capacity, raising questions about the necessity of the layoffs.
This case isn’t isolated. Santa Fe province has witnessed the closure of 1,800 companies since 2023, resulting in 14,500 job losses, according to the Mate Studies Center. The industry sector has been particularly hard hit, accounting for 6,000 of those eliminated positions. Furthermore, private sector salaries in the region have lost approximately $1.4 million in purchasing power per worker.
Argentina’s Economic Landscape and the Milei Effect
The challenges facing Metrofund and the broader Argentinian manufacturing sector are unfolding against a backdrop of significant economic reforms under President Javier Milei. His administration’s policies, aimed at liberalizing the economy and reducing state intervention, have sparked both optimism and concern. The opening of imports, while intended to foster competition, is undeniably putting pressure on domestic producers. Understanding the nuances of these economic shifts is crucial for businesses and workers alike.
Evergreen Insight: Navigating economic downturns requires proactive strategies for businesses. These include diversifying markets, investing in employee training to enhance productivity, and exploring government assistance programs. For workers, upskilling and reskilling are vital to remain competitive in a rapidly changing job market. Staying informed about economic trends and labor laws is paramount for both employers and employees.
A hearing is scheduled this Wednesday with the Santa Fe labor portfolio to address the dispute. The UOM has not yet ruled out force measures, but is prioritizing a negotiated resolution. Archyde.com will continue to provide updates on this developing story and its implications for the Argentinian economy. Stay tuned for further analysis and breaking news coverage on our website, your trusted source for timely and insightful reporting.
