Yesterday, a group of 120 construction workers began the occupation of the plant of Colonia “Montes del Plata” in claim for their working conditions. The 120 workers who perform tasks in Punta Pereyra for Codirel Enterprise, occupy since yesterday morning to claim the estate in compliance with collective agreements to the new company Montes del Plata (made by Stora Enso and Arauco pulp mills after the removal of ENCE). Workers seek the stability of the agreement signed at the Ministry of Labor before commencing work, when they depended from ENCE. The main points of claim are based on obtaining transportation, food, security and regulation in times; they also seek for a clear answer from the company on maintaining their jobs in the construction of the plant.
The agreed document was no longer compliant with workers who expressed satisfaction with the treatment and regulation of their activities. It was also shared with the companies that began grading and earthmoving. In the peak time, two years ago, more than 300 workers were at work, that amount was reduced as stages were met.
The distance from ENCE made the work slower, but remained on the farm activity. Currently, about 120 workers are staying on site, at the stage of completion of tasks, said President of Sunca, Pedro Porley. Argentine firm Codirel is responsible for these activities, which end in April. For two months, workers are demanding the signing of an agreement that gives them job security. Since then, workers held talks with different negotiators without clear answers to their aspirations, they argue. According Porley in this situation did not give "guarantees" to keep the deal originally agreed upon, so it was decided to apply the measure of occupation "for the purpose of fulfilling the conditions set for the play.
In a statement issued by the department Sunca, confirming the occupation of the plant "as of little interest shown by the Company in respect to “Montes del Plata” of existing conventions in a particular way for this work." Workers made clear that, to date agreements have been respected by all companies acting in the place. The agreement, which is endorsed by the MTSS regulates its key points, the smooth functioning and equal conditions for all workers of any company required to undertake duties in place. The statement said the measure was finally maintained until the company ceases to change negotiators and sit at the negotiating table with a serious attitude.

(www.elpais.com.uy, 3 March 2010)