Argentina’s automotive workers union started a new round of strikes at several carmakers’ local plants on Monday, halting production as negotiations continue over wage increases, the Associated Press (AP) reported.
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Press officials at local units of Ford and DaimlerChrysler reportedly confirmed that strikes began Monday morning.
AP noted that Smata, the union, had said it would initiate new actions against the car makers on Monday – the new strikes follow some work stoppages in May, which also affected operations at Volkswagen.
AP said Smata is requesting a base monthly salary of 2000 Argentine pesos ($US692), a raise that the car makers say will send their labour costs 40% to 70% higher.
Smata’s secretary general, Jose Rodriguez, reportedly warned in a newspaper interview last week that the union could take over plants or cut off major highways if salary negotiations fail to bear fruit.
AP added that the May strikes virtually halted production at the three companies, which account for about one-third of total vehicle output in Argentina.
