In order to evaluate several topics of concern to the Fruit Labour Union in Entre Rios, the Minister of Labour, Guillermo Smaldone, along with the general secretary of the Union, Alcides Camejo, and the president of the Citrus Federation of the province, Elvio Calgaro, held a meeting with the head of the cabinet at the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security, Norberto Ciaravino. The situation of the citrus, cranberry and labourers were some of the topics discussed.
Cranberry workers
During the meeting there were talks regarding the representation status of workers dedicated to harvesting, processing and packing of cranberries in the provinces of Entre Rios and Corrientes. The sector has grown considerably in this part of the country, which for the Union entails representing over 20,000 workers.
Other topics
There was an evaluation of the Union's social work activities and the situation of the citrus sector after the frosts that happened in June, which broke all-time records of intensity, affecting the citrus-producing region of the river Uruguay.
Actions in favour of the sector
The president of the province's Citrus Federation recalled the "disaster" caused by the frosts and explained that the governor Sergio Urribari "came to the area upon our request to see in what condition everything was and how we were," after which "he immediately agreed to work on finding permanent solutions."
In this regard, Calgaro highlighted that the governor stayed beside the whole team, and in particular mentioned the work carried out by the Ministry of Production of going practically door by door, farm by farm, which is something that had not happened for a very long time.
About this he said that "it is just one of many measures being promoted", and assured that "based on what was lost, many here will not have much to do. But here we must not think about what was lost but about how it all will be recovered."
Actions in favour of the sector
The president of the province's Citrus Federation recalled the "disaster" caused by the frosts and explained that the governor Sergio Urribari "came to the area upon our request to see in what condition everything was and how we were," after which "he immediately agreed to work on finding permanent solutions."
In this regard, Calgaro highlighted that the governor stayed beside the whole team, and in particular mentioned the work carried out by the Ministry of Production of going practically door by door, farm by farm, which is something that had not happened for a very long time.
About this he said that "it is just one of many measures being promoted", and assured that "based on what was lost, many here will not have much to do. But here we must not think about what was lost but about how it all will be recovered."
Recovering losses
On the steps to be made following the contribution handed in a few days ago by the President, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, he said "we are working on it" and added that "this week the delivery of emergency certificates will come to an end."
Furthermore, he explained that they will attempt "distributing it in the best possible way", focusing on the smaller and medium size producers" so that they can "recover a part of their losses and restart again."
Fundamental solution
Additionally, he pointed out that a frost like this one had not been seen in more than 40 years, and that fundamental solutions are being found for the citrus sector.
On the steps to be made following the contribution handed in a few days ago by the President, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, he said "we are working on it" and added that "this week the delivery of emergency certificates will come to an end."
Furthermore, he explained that they will attempt "distributing it in the best possible way", focusing on the smaller and medium size producers" so that they can "recover a part of their losses and restart again."
Fundamental solution
Additionally, he pointed out that a frost like this one had not been seen in more than 40 years, and that fundamental solutions are being found for the citrus sector.
In this respect, he said that work is currently on-going to set up an emergency fund for the sector, and that "in this we have full support from the governor, as well as from the opposition."
Regarding the amendment to article 26 of the Internal Revenue law, he explained that "from there we could obtain a great part of the funding, and we hope that once the article is amended, the fund becomes a reality." And he reflected: "I know that we are going against big multinationals, but we hope rationality prevails in Congress and that any topics where discussion is needed are touched upon."
Moreover, he explained that "we will design it as a fruit producers fund," and it will not just be for the citrus sector.
Social containment
Calgaro highlighted that "the first thing we told the governor, and where we totally agree with the Minister of Production, is that it is necessary to have social containment."
In this respect, he said that this is what generates employment, which "needs to be generated now, and with that in mind, actions are being taken," and explained that "it will be analysed in part by the social area of each municipality in the region."
Source: Diariovictoria