Uruguayan Dairy Workers Join Nationwide Strike Amid Labor Crisis

The reasons behind the dairy union's mobilization are profound, highlighting a deteriorating labor situation. Key friction points revolve around what the FTIL labels as a "direct attack on unionism." The union demands a solution for the lack of reopening the Lactalis plant in Cardona, affecting about 100 families, and protests vigorously against the dismissal of 32 workers from the Claldy company, which it considers "compulsive" and conducted without respecting negotiation channels.

For union leaders like Pablo González, these conflicts are not isolated incidents but part of a broader strategy by companies to weaken workers' negotiation capacity. The frequent and severe disputes have led the FTIL to request greater and more decisive state intervention. They argue that without governmental mediation, workers are at a disadvantage against "corporate power" in wage council negotiations.

A 24-hour halt in the dairy sector has a significant impact, disrupting the delicate milk value chain. While the article does not detail the exact consequences, it is evident that the strike affects milk collection from dairy farms, processing in factories, and subsequent distribution to points of sale. This disruption causes economic losses for both companies and producers and could affect product supply to consumers.

In conclusion, the succession of labor conflicts in the Uruguayan dairy sector clearly indicates a crisis beyond specific disputes. The third strike in a month underscores the urgency to find a structural solution that balances worker-company relations. The future of the country's dairy industry, its competitiveness, and stability depend on a swift and sustainable resolution that ends this spiral of mobilizations.